Patient died after van collapse

A mental health patient died after being found collapsed in the back of a police van, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) confirmed.

Matthew Lovell, 22, was detained under the Mental Health Act after he left a day unit in Bournemouth on 28 October.

He was taken to St Anne's Hospital in Poole, a secure mental health unit, but was found collapsed on arrival. He was later pronounced dead in hospital.

Post-mortem tests confirmed there were "no significant external injuries".

The examination did not establish the cause of death and further tests are being carried out.

Chased by staff

Mr Lovell ran off from the Herbert Day Hospital in Alumhurst Road, Westbourne, at about 1710 GMT and was pursued by staff to a nearby beach.

They also alerted police who arrested Mr Lovell 40 minutes later in the Alum Chine area of the town.

The IPCC said it appeared that the police agreed with the medical staff that he should be taken St Anne's Hospital.

An ambulance was called after Mr Lovell was found collapsed on arrival and he was taken to Poole General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at about 1900 GMT.

IPCC commissioner Tom Davies said: "This is a very sad case and my sympathies go to Mr Lovell's family and friends at this difficult time for them.

"The IPCC will manage an investigation into the death by Dorset Police's professional standards department and this will be overseen by one of our senior investigators."