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Party-goer Sean Wilkes, 21, died after being restrained by police in Cheriton in Folkestone

Sean Wilkes died after being stopped by police officers in Cheriton
Sean Wilkes died after being stopped by police officers in Cheriton

Police watchdogs need witnesses to help them investigate the death of a young man after he was restrained by officers.

Sean Wilkes, 21, died after an incident at Richmond Street, Cheriton, in Folkestone, on Saturday night.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission today said he had been at a house party when Kent Police responded to a call of a disturbance.

It is understood Mr Wilkes was being restrained by two members of the public when two police officers arrived and took over.

They were joined by two additional officers, who were also involved in the restraint.

Mr Wilkes became unwell and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A large police presence in Richmond Street, Folkestone
A large police presence in Richmond Street, Folkestone
Police in Richmond Street, Folkestone
Police in Richmond Street, Folkestone

IPCC Commissioner Cindy Butts said: "Tragically a young man has died following contact with police and my thoughts are with his family at this terribly difficult time.

"With the help of eyewitnesses we can piece together as much information as possible to assist is in forming a clear sequence of events leading up to Sean's death."

The investigators wants to hear from anyone who witnessed events in Richmond Street between 10.20pm on Saturday and 1am on Sunday.

They are trying to piece together the circumstances surrounding this incident.

On Wednesday, they visited the area carrying out house-to-house inquires, distributing leaflets and putting up witness appeal boards in the area.

Officers from the Independent Police Complaints Commission carry out inquiries in Richmond Street
Officers from the Independent Police Complaints Commission carry out inquiries in Richmond Street
A witness board appeal in Richmond Street, Folkestone
A witness board appeal in Richmond Street, Folkestone

Ms Butts said: "IPCC investigators have met Mr Wilkes' family to explain our role and outline the investigation.

"I would like to assure them that our investigation will be thorough and robust in establishing the circumstances surrounding Sean's death."

A post mortem examination had proved inconclusive as to the cause of death and further tests are being carried out.

An inquest on the death opened at Folkestone Magistrates' Court on Wednesday and heard that Mr Wilkes became unwell as officers dealt with him.

South East Coast Ambulance Service were called, but he was pronounced dead at the scene at 12.42am on Sunday.

A police car blocks Richmond Street in Folkestone
A police car blocks Richmond Street in Folkestone

Mr Wilkes, from Folkestone, had a brother Kegan Wilkes who was found dead at a house in the town’s Black Bull Road aged 16 on February 23 last year.

It was four days after double murderer Stephen Farrow, who had killed a vicar and pensioner, was found in the same house while on the run.

Police said at the time the death was not suspicious and was not connected to the case of Farrow, who was jailed last November.

Anyone with information concerning Sean Wilkes' death should contact the IPCC at Folkestone@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk or on freephone 0800 096 9075.

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