Inquiry after fatal police chase

The man was found collapsed in Wrexham town centre

An investigation into the death of a 32-year-old man from Wrexham is being supervised by the Police Complaints Authority.

It is claimed the homeless man collapsed while being chased by police.

It is believed the victim - who has not been named - may have fallen on a bottle he was carrying although this has not been confirmed.

He was taken to Wrexham Maelor Hospital where he underwent surgery for internal bleeding, but he died from his injuries.

Detective Superintendent Chris Corcoran from North Wales Police said there would be a thorough investigation.

"We are keeping an open mind as to the circumstances surrounding the death of this man," he said.

The incident happened on Sunday evening when North Wales Police were called.

It is alleged that the man ran off and officers were alerted to his movements by CCTV operators who were tracking him.

Police custody

They were directed to an alleyway near Lord Street where the man was found collapsed.

The case has been referred to the Police Complaints Authority because the man was technically in police custody at the time.

"When an incident like this happens the professional standards department will carry out an internal investigation and it will be done under our supervision," said a spokesman for the authority.

"It'll take months rather than weeks because it's a matter of gathering statements."

Police want to hear from any witnesses who were in the area, close to McDonalds takeaway in the town, between 1730 and 1800 BST on Sunday.

They particularly want to trace three teenage girls and a young man who was wearing a blue t-shirt and a blue baseball hat.

Two men on mountain bikes who were with two women are also being sought.

The North East Wales Coroner John Hughes has also been informed and an inquest will be held into the death.

A post mortem examination is expected to be carried out later on Tuesday.