The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is renewing its appeal for witnesses to assist its criminal investigation into the death of Terry Smith following his detention by police in Surrey.
Mr Smith, 33, was detained by police at around 10 pm on Tuesday 12 November following a call for assistance from an ambulance crew. He was detained under the Mental Health Act and taken under restraint to Staines Police Station where he was arrested and continued to be restrained. He became ill, and died at St Peter’s Hospital in Surrey around 24 hours after being detained.
The IPCC has identified a number of independent witnesses from house-to-house inquiries conducted last week. However, we would still like to speak to anyone else who may have witnessed Mr Smith in the area of Vanguard House and Clifton Court, Douglas Road, Stanwell on the evening of Tuesday 12 November or his detention by police. Mr Smith who was white and about 5ft 8 inches tall, was reported to be acting strangely and only partially clothed.
A week after his death, IPCC staff are in the area again this afternoon (Tuesday) to make further house-to-house inquiries and appeal for witnesses.
IPCC Commissioner Jennifer Izekor said: "A week on from Terry Smith’s detention we have made good progress in our investigation, but we would still like to appeal for help from any member of the public who may have seen something.
"Based on our initial inquiries I have decided this will be a criminal investigation into eight Surrey police officers and two Surrey police staff who were involved in Terry Smith’s detention and restraint. At this stage we consider there is an indication that potential criminal offences may have been committed including gross negligence manslaughter, misconduct in public office, and/or offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. We will also be considering whether any potential disciplinary offences have been committed. We will keep the numbers of police personnel subject to investigation and potential offences under review.
"We have reviewed CCTV from the custody suite at Staines and looked at initial accounts from those involved. We will be obtaining statements from witnesses already identified, and making arrangements to interview relevant police personnel under criminal caution.
"Our investigation is examining the detention of Terry Smith by officers, his removal in a police van to Staines Police Station, and his time spent in custody before being taken to hospital at 1 am on Wednesday. The investigation includes looking at the length of time Terry Smith was restrained and the methods used by police.
"We have a family liaison manager in place to keep Mr Smith’s relatives informed of our progress and offer any support we can. It is important that families and the public have confidence in how we investigate such tragic cases. I am meeting the family to extend my condolences in person and inform them how the investigation will be taken forward.”
Terry Smith was a father, and lived locally.
Anyone with information can contact the IPCC investigation team on freephone 0800-096-9073 or email: [email protected]