Man found unconscious during police incident in Axminster dies in hospital

A man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after a man found unconscious after a police incident in Devon died in hospital.

Avon and Somerset Police went to Axminster on Tuesday (19 July) to arrest a man wanted on suspicion of burglary.

At about 10.30am, officers located a vehicle linked to the man parked at a service station on Lyme Road. A man inside the vehicle then ran off and was lost to sight.

A short time later, a member of the public called the police about a further incident nearby and Devon and Cornwall Police were also called to the scene.

When police arrived, officers found a man who was unconscious and carried out emergency treatment. He was taken to hospital in critical condition but later died.

His next-of-kin have been informed.

A man in his 30s from the Axminster area was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) but has since been further arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. He remains in police custody.

Due to prior involvement with its officers, Avon and Somerset Police have informed the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and a mandatory referral will be made in due course.

Devon and Cornwall Police is now conducting an investigation into the circumstances and a number of scene cordons remain in place at this time.

Anyone who has information that could help police with their enquiries is asked to email 101@dc.police.uk or call 101 quoting log number 342 of 19/07/21.