Police Watchdog Investigate Durham Nightclub Death

25 July 2016, 18:42 | Updated: 24 August 2016, 11:20

The police watchdog's looking into the death of a man, who collapsed outside the Loveshack nightclub in Durham.

54 year old Stewart Anderson died in hospital in July. 

The IPCC's going look at the police's involvement as they were in contact with him before he died.

CCTV recorded during the incident has been collated and the body-worn video footage from the officers in attendance has been downloaded. 

In a statement, IPCC Commissioner Carl Gumsley said:
"Mr Anderson's family is aware of the IPCC investigation and will be updated on its progress - my sympathies go to them. 

"Such investigations are required where there has been police contact with a person in circumstances such as this and where that person sadly later dies.

"I would ask people to be mindful that there is an on-going criminal investigation, by Durham Constabulary, into Mr Anderson's death. Our investigation will focus on the actions of the officers during the incident."

Durham Police have also issued a statement, saying:
""Because of the circumstances Durham Constabulary made a mandatory referral of this incident to the IPCC. A criminal investigation is ongoing and eight men remain on police bail until late September, pending further enquiries." 

The IPCC is asking anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward via telephone 0800 096 9070 or email: witness@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk


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UPDATED 25th July 2016

A man who died following an incident in a nightclub in Durham City at the weekend has been identified as 54-year-old Stewart Anderson from Hetton-le-Hole.

Mr Anderson, a freelance tiler by trade, leaves behind two brothers, two grown up daughters and a two-year-old granddaughter.

Today, Mr Anderson’s daughters Kay and Kelly paid tribute to him.

They said: 

'We are devastated to have lost our dad in such sudden and shocking circumstances.

'Dad was a very hard-working man who, when not at work, was utterly devoted to his beloved granddaughter Neve. He will be hugely missed not only by his family but also his circle of friends.'

Mr Anderson’s family wished to express thanks for the support of friends during this difficult time. They have asked for time to grieve in peace.

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UPDATED 9.25am 

Eight men who were arrested after an incident at Loveshack nightclub in Durham city centre have been bailed.

Seven were held on suspicion of manslaughter, while another was accused of a public order offence - they've all been bailed pending further enquiries until the end of September.

Police were called to ‘Loveshack’, in the Walkergate area of the city in the early hours of Sunday following reports of a disturbance inside the premises involving a number of people.

When officers arrived it was found doorstaff had detained two men and escorted them outside. 

However, shortly afterwards it became clear one of the men was in distress and having difficulty with regards to his health. 

Together with paramedics, the officers administered immediate first aid for a period of time until the man was taken by ambulance to the UHND

However, the condition of the 54-year-old man deteriorated and a few hours after he was admitted to hospital he died.

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UPDATED: 24th JULY 2016, 12.02pm

An investigation is under way after a man died following an incident at a busy nightclub in Durham in the early hours of today.

Police were called to ‘Loveshack’, in the Walkergate area of the city shortly after 1am today, (Sunday 24 July) following reports of a disturbance inside the premises involving a number of people.

When officers arrived it was found doorstaff had detained two men and escorted them outside. However, shortly afterwards it became clear one of the men was in distress and having difficulty with regards to his health. Together with paramedics, the officers administered immediate first aid for a period of time until the man was taken by ambulance to the UHND

However, the condition of the 54-year-old man deteriorated and a few hours after he was admitted to hospital he sadly died.

A post mortem examination is due to be carried out later today to establish a formal cause of death. The victim, who is from Hetton-le-Hole is not being formally identified at this stage.

Police have arrested a total of seven men on suspicion of manslaughter and one other man for a public order offence. The eight are in custody at three separate police stations in the county.

Det Supt Lee Johnson said; 

'An incident room has been set up and I am appealing for anyone who saw what happened to come forward. As part of our enquiries we will also be studying cctv from the cameras both inside and outside the club itself.

'We are in the early stages of our enquiries and trying to build up a complete picture of what led to the initial disturbance and then the events which happened outside. I would urge anyone who can assist to contact police via 101.'