Witness appeal as man, 28, died after police tried to detain him

AN investigation has been launched following the death of a man police had been trying to detain.

South Wales Police had been called to Preston Close in Llantrisant at around 1.25am on June 24 following reports of a man shouting for help and behaving erratically in the street.

Initial accounts indicate Jon James, 28, lost consciousness as officers tried to detain him and he was taken to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital. He died in hospital three days later.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is now appealing for witnesses as part of its investigation into the police contact.

They want to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time.

IPCC investigators were sent to the scene following notification from South Wales Police in the early hours of Saturday. House-to-house inquiries have been carried out and investigators have begun to gather witness statements, including accounts from the officers involved.

No individual officers are under investigation, and the IPCC says this will be kept under review.

The man’s family have been informed of the IPCC involvement and HM Coroner has been notified.

A post-mortem examination has been undertaken, and further tests will be carried out.

IPCC operations manager Mel Evans said: “My thoughts are with Mr James’ family and friends.

“We are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.”

Call 0800 151 0020 or email llantrisantincident@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk