AN INVESTIGATION is underway into police officers’ “use of force” against a Basildon man who died in hospital after reports of an assault at a social club. 

Scott Taylor, 31, died in hospital on August 13 after reports of an incident at a Basildon social club on August 12.

According to an initial police release, Mr Taylor was restrained on the floor while he was kicked to the face and hit with a chair, by members of the public, at the Winston Social Club in Northumberland Avenue.

Essex Police have stated there was no casual link between the assault and the man’s death, after a post-mortem examination on August 15, was unable to establish the cause of death. 

Now, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigation the officer’s handling of the situation, which saw Mr Taylor placed in handcuffs and leg restraints before being taken to hospital in a police car. 

READ MORE >> Man dies in hospital after assault at a Basildon social club

Currently, all officers are being treated as witnesses. 

Graham Beesley, IOPC regional director, said: “I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Scott Taylor and all those affected by this incident.

“Following a mandatory referral from Essex Police on August 13, we began an independent investigation into officers’ contact with the 31-year-old man prior to his death after he was detained in the Laindon area of Basildon the night before.

“We understand that, following reports of a disturbance at a venue in Northumberland Avenue, officers attended at around 10.30pm on August 12.

“Due to his condition, and a delay in obtaining an ambulance, Scott was taken by officers to hospital but sadly died there that evening.

“The death was reported to HM Coroner and a post-mortem examination, held on August 15, was unable to establish the cause of death.

“Our investigation will look at the officers’ use of force by restraining him with handcuffs and leg restraints; their duty of care provided to him, including consideration of mental health; and the decision to take him to hospital in a police vehicle. All officers are currently being treated as witnesses.

“We are in touch with the man’s family and are providing them with regular updates.

“The family has asked for their privacy to respected.”

Essex Police are unable to comment whilst an IOPC investigation takes place.