EXCLUSIVE: Man collapsed and died during arrest by Essex Police - details not made public until now

A MAN collapsed and died while being arrested by police at a hotel, Essex News and Investigations can exclusively reveal. THE Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating after the man died during the arrest by Essex Police, which did not make any details public.

Jamie Crandle, 41, from Bexley Heath, Kent, collapsed and died while being arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker after police were called to reports of a disturbance at a hotel in Brentwood, Essex.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We were called shortly before 10am on Wednesday November 11, following reports of a disturbance at an address on Great Warley Street in Brentwood.

"Officers attended and arrested a 41-year-old man.

"The man appeared to be experiencing some form of medical episode. Officers immediately performed CPR until paramedics arrived.

"Sadly, despite their efforts, the man died.

"The matter was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct which is carrying out an independent investigation."

Stuart Spires, a friend of Mr Crandle's, posted on Facebook after the death: "Your lovely officers killed my pal arresting him in Brentwood the other day. Well done. Rip Jamie Crandle."

Details of the incident at about 10am on November 11 2020 were made public at an inquest opening at Chelmsford Coroners' Court on Thursday, May 6, but no provisional cause of death was given.

Coroners officer Theresa Bradford said: "He was seen exiting a neighbouring property and was challenge by police. He collapsed, paramedics attended, but he passed away."

The coroners' office was asked what the provisional cause of death was given as following a post mortem examination, as these are usually released at an inquest opening, but we were told this would not yet be given.

The hotel in question was also not confirmed. A coroner' office spokeswoman said: "No further details, beyond that supplied at the hearing, are to be released.

"Full facts will be established at the actual inquest hearing and not before."

An IOPC spokesman said: “Our investigators are exploring final lines of enquiry relating to the death of a 41-year-old man in Brentwood, Essex, on the morning of 11 November 2020. “We began an independent investigation in November following a referral from Essex Police after officers responded to a reported disturbance at a property in Great Warley.

“Officers arrived at the scene, detained and arrested a man who then became unresponsive. First aid was administered and an ambulance was called. The man sadly died at the scene a short time later.

“IOPC investigators attended the scene and the police post incident procedure. We have analysed the officers’ body worn video footage of the incident, obtained statements from those police officers involved and taken statements from independent witnesses. We are providing family members and Essex Police with regular updates as the investigation progresses.”

The inquest was adjourned until October.