Video: IPCC investigates man's death in Gillingham
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Video: Where Mr Holt was
found
The man who died after police tried to
restrain him at his home "had lots of problems," according to
neighbours.
Colin Holt died after apparently becoming unwell when officers
went to his Twydall home to take him back to hospital, after
he went missing from his ward.
Mr Holt, 52, of Harbledown Manor, Goudhurst Road, who had been
sectioned under the Mental Health Act, went missing from Medway
Maritime Hospital, Gillingham, yesterday.
His neigbours say Mr Holt had lived in the block for many years,
but had moved from one flat to another in that time.
He died in his home which is on the top floor of the block.
One neighbour who has lived in Goudhurst Road for almost 30
years, but didn't want to be named, said: "The police were always
coming here because he had caused some sort of commotion.
"He not only had mental health issues, but also a serious drink
problem, in fact, he had lots of problems.
"There were lots of police here yesterday, in white suits and
other officers guarding the scene.
"We didn't really see the commotion inside the flat, but at some
point his fish tank was shattered as there was water
everywhere.
"A lady who lived on the level below told me she could see all
the water dripping down.
"I saw his body being taken out on a trolley at about 9.45pm,
but the police were there for a long time after that."
Another woman who lives in the block added: "He was always
causing trouble, we saw him walking around yesterday then he went
in the flat.
"He was drunk a lot of the time, I regularly saw him in the shop
buying booze.
"In fact, one lady here had told me she was thinking of getting
a petition up to get him moved, as we were all that sick of all the
trouble he caused."
The death is being investigated by the Independent Police
Complaints Commission (IPCC) who said the police were called after
staff at the hospital in Gillingham, called police at about 12.45pm
on Bank Holiday Monday after Mr Holt had disappeared.
Two police officers arrived at his home at about 1.30pm and as
they tried to restrain him, he died.
An ambulance was called but the man was pronounced dead at the
scene a short time later,
The case was referred to IPCC by Medway police and the
commission will fully investigate the incident.
Tuesday, August 31 2010
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