Skip to content

IOPC investigation finds Thames Valley Police officers used reasonable force prior to death of Berkshire man

Factual summary of a published IOPC investigation, covering the incident, key findings and outcome.

All IOPC reports
Published
2022-12-02
Investigation type
independent
Force involved
Thames Valley Police

What was investigated

An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation found Thames Valley Police officers used reasonable force to arrest and restrain a Berkshire man, who later died in hospital. The investigation began following a mandatory referral from Thames Valley Police after the man was reported to be suffering from acute behavioural disorder during his arrest.

Key findings

  • Officers had necessary grounds to arrest the man.
  • The man resisted arrest, which contributed to his death.
  • Officers monitored the man’s condition during restraint.
  • The officers acted promptly by calling an ambulance.
  • Body worn video footage supported the officers' account.
  • The jury found it was appropriate to restrain the man given the circumstances.
  • The man suffered cardiac arrests during transport to hospital.
  • The investigation included analysis from a use of force expert.

Outcome

The investigation concluded there was no case to answer for the officers involved, and learning issued was communicated to the force.

Read the full report on policeconduct.gov.uk

Related on BlueLineHub

Last reviewed: 13 July 2026 · Next review due: 13 January 2027

This is a factual summary of a report published by the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Individuals are referred to exactly as the source report anonymises them. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the IOPC · Summarised 2026-07-13.