An independent investigation is underway after the death of a man who fell from a river bridge in Wiltshire following police contact.
Wiltshire Police were called to the River Avon in Chippenham at 2.40am on Tuesday, March 31, following reports of concerns for a man's welfare.
Wiltshire Search and Rescue and specialist underwater search officers from Avon and Somerset Police also attended the stretch of river near to the town bridge, and residents were asked to stay away.
Following a 10 hour search operation, officers confirmed that the body of a 41-year-old man had been recovered from the River Avon.
The police force made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) later that day due to police interaction with the man earlier that morning.
The IOPC has confirmed that they have started an independent investigation to examine the nature of that police involvement.
IOPC Director Derrick Campbell, said: “We know Wiltshire Police officers attended the man’s address at around 12.30am that morning following a 999 call and that there were concerns over his mental health.
“Officers again interacted with him at 1.48am following a call by a member of the public who reported a man walking barefoot in a dressing gown in Chippenham High Street.
“Our investigation will look at the nature of the police engagement with him on both occasions and the decisions taken. We have gathered officers’ body worn video, CCTV footage, and airwaves communication which will be examined as part of our investigation.
“My condolences go to the man’s loved ones for their loss. We are in touch with his next of kin to guide them through the process and offer any support we can.”
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