Probe into car park death

An Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigation has been launched into statements given by two British Transport Police officers after the death of a man who jumped from a multi-storey car park.Stephen Church, 53, had been detained on May 13, 2011, under section 136 of the Mental Health Act by BTP officers after being spotted on a train track near Little John’s Lane in Reading, Berkshire.The IPCC had previously investigated how BTP managed Mr Church at Royal Berkshire Hospital, where he was taken for treatment to a hand injury. A short time later he left the hospital and died after falling from a multi-storey car park nearby.

A new IPCC investigation will look at statements provided by two BTP officers after Mr Church’s death and the possible involvement of the BTP Federation.

The findings of the first IPCC investigation were to be released at the conclusion of an inquest hearing that was due to start in February. The hearing has now been adjourned by the coroner following new information from BTP.

The new IPCC investigation was launched after the matter was referred to the IPCC by BTP.