Police watchdog launches inquiries into deaths

A POLICE watchdog has launched investigations following two deaths, including that of a man returning from T in the Park.

James Richardson, 29, from Craigneuk, Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, was found dead near Forteviot in Perthshire on Tuesday.

His family had issued appeals on social media for help to find him and said he had been heading back from the festival by bus.

The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) has launched an investigation into the police response to an initial report of concern for Mr Richardson.

A Pirc spokesman said: “The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has instructed the Pirc to undertake an investigation after the body of James Richardson, 29, was discovered in the Forteviot area of Perthshire on July 12.”

Police initially treated his death as “unexplained” and following a post-mortem examination said it was a sudden death with no suspicious circumstances.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “We acknowledge the Pirc investigation into the initial police response following a report of concern made about James Richardson.

“We will co-operate fully with the investigation and will address any recommendations which may be made.”

Pirc also launched an investigation into a separate incident involving the death of a 24-year-old man in custody.

The Pirc spokesman said the man, who has not been named, became ill after being taken to Falkirk police office on Monday.

He was transferred to Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert, where he died on Thursday.