IT has been confirmed that an independent inquiry is taking place into use of force by police officers who detained a man in an incident at a Basildon Sports and Social club – and he later died in hospital.

Just last week Essex Police issued an appeal to identify two men involved in the incident. They were identified following it and police have also asked anyone with further information or camera footage to come forward.

The incident happened at around 10.30pm on Friday, 12 August when officers were called to reports of an assault at the Winston Sports and Social Club in Laindon. Scott Taylor, 31, was arrested but died in hospital later that evening.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said officers' use of restraints and a decision to take him to hospital by car would be part of an automatic investigation triggered when the matter was referred to the IOPC the following day.

IOPC regional director Graham Beesley said "an independent investigation into officers' contact with the 31-year-old man prior to his death, after he was detained in the Laindon area of Basildon the night before" was under way.

"Due to his condition, and a delay in obtaining an ambulance, Scott was taken by officers to hospital, but sadly died there that evening," Mr Beesley said.

"The death was reported to HM Coroner and a post-mortem examination, held on 15 August, was unable to establish the cause of death.

"Our investigation will look at the officers' use of force by restraining him with handcuffs and leg restraints; their duty of care provided to him, including consideration of mental health; and the decision to take him to hospital in a police vehicle.

"All officers are currently being treated as witnesses."