Questions are being raised about the use of force against 93-year-old Donald Burgess, who died several weeks later. Sussex Police were called to the care home in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, on the evening of Tuesday June 21 following reports that Mr Burgess had a knife and was threatening staff. On arrival, care home staff showed officers to a room where the man, who was in a wheelchair and had one leg, was holding a knife, the Independent Office for Policing Conduct (IOPC) said. Officers briefly engaged the man, with one of the officers using PAVA incapacitant spray, followed by a baton. The second officer deployed a Taser before the knife was removed from the man and he was handcuffed, according to the IOPC. Mr Burgess was taken to hospital for treatment and remained there, where he died three weeks later on July 13. An IOPC spokesman said: “Our investigation follows a voluntary conduct referral from the force on June 28, regarding allegations of excessive use of force by the two officers who attended the incident. “The two officers involved, both police officers, have been served with serious misconduct notices, along with letters informing them that they are under criminal investigation for manslaughter. “These actions do not necessarily mean that disciplinary proceedings or criminal charges will follow.” IOPC regional director Graham Beesley said: “I want to express my condolences to the man’s relatives and those who knew him. We have informed his relatives of our independent investigation and explained the steps we will take. “This will include investigating whether the force used by the two officers against this man was reasonable, necessary and proportionate in the circumstances and in accordance with local and national policies, procedures and guidance.” Assistant Chief Constable Tanya Jones of Sussex Police said: “We would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Mr Burgess. Our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time. “We are providing every assistance to the IOPC to enable a thorough investigation and the family to get the answers they need.”
