Investigation finds ‘no evidence’ officers may have caused or contributed to man’s death

An inquest, which concluded on Friday (June 24), determined Ronald Robinson, 57, died as a result of misadventure.

Lancashire Constabulary officers had been following a vehicle in Knowle Avenue at around 5.30pm on March 11, 2021. The officers, who were on mobile patrol, stopped the vehicle and after detaining Mr Robinson, a brief struggle ensued with the 57-year-old then swallowing a package.

Almost immediately after swallowing the package, Mr Robinson became unresponsive. The officers responded by requesting an ambulance, removing his handcuffs and provided medical assistance through chest compressions, the use of a defibrillator and an oxygen mask.

But despite their efforts, Mr Robinson was pronounced dead a short time later in Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

The consultant pathologist concluded that the cause of death was acute upper airways obstruction caused by the package becoming lodged in Mr Robinson’s airway.

Following the incident, the force made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The IOPC’s investigation, which concluded in August 2021, found “no evidence to suggest that Lancashire Constabulary officers may have caused or contributed to Mr Robinson’s death”.

The IOPC said investigators conducted a detailed examination of the scene, adding: “During the investigation, we obtained witness statements from police officers and dashboard camera footage from the police vehicle. We also issued a witness appeal, obtained accounts from members of the public and analysed information contained in toxicology and forensic reports.”

IOPC Regional Director Catherine Bates said: “This was a tragic incident in which a man lost his life and our thoughts remain with his family, friends and all those affected.

“It is our role to investigate all the circumstances surrounding the death of someone who dies following or during contact with the police and in this case, we found officers responded swiftly to a distressing situation and made significant efforts to save Mr Robinson once it became clear he was unwell.

“We found the officers’ actions and decisions were in line with their training, policies and procedures.

“Evidence gathered during our investigation was shared with the coroner to help inform the inquest into Mr Robinson’s death, and hopefully helped to answer any outstanding questions his family may have had.”