THE Independent Police Complaints Commission is probing events that led to the death of a man in South Ockendon after he came into contact with Essex Police.

Andrew Moore, 45, died in Basildon Hospital on Friday, August 29.

The IPCC announced on Thursday that its investigation will examine the nature Mr Moore’s contact with the police and any use of restraint.

At around 4.30pm on Thursday, August 28, police were called to Broxburn Drive in South Ockendon. Mr Moore was detained near a shop on Broxbourn Parade.

An ambulance was called and Mr Moore was taken to Basildon Hospital where he later died.

A post-mortem has been carried out but a cause of death is yet to be established.

The IPCC is appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and who may have seen Mr Moore in or near Broxburn Drive, making his way to the local shop and his interaction with police and paramedics to contact them.

Mr Moore was white, with dark hair and was bare-chested and bare-footed at the time of the incident.

Mary Cunneen, the IPCC commissioner, said: "A man has died in tragic circumstances and my thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. We will be conducting a robust investigation into the nature of his contact with the police and the events leading up to his death.

"I would encourage anyone who thinks they may have seen something that day to get in contact with the IPCC."

Essex Police said it would not comment until the IPCC investigation is complete.

Anyone with information should contact the IPCC witness appeal number on 0800 151 0018 or email broxburn-parade@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk