Investigation underway into use of force by Sussex Police on elderly disabled man in care home

Key findings

• Officers were called to a care home following a report of a resident threatening staff with a knife.
• The man was in a wheelchair and had one leg.
• Officers used PAVA spray, a baton, and a Taser to subdue the man.
• The man was taken to the hospital where he died three weeks later.
• Gross misconduct notices were served to the officers involved.
• The officers are under criminal investigation for manslaughter.
• The cause of death is not yet known pending further examinations.

Outcome

The investigation is ongoing, and actions taken do not necessarily indicate that disciplinary proceedings or criminal charges will follow.