Police watchdog probe into murder

Uttoxeter Road was sealed off following the attack

A police watchdog is investigating the way Staffordshire Police dealt with the events leading up to a man's murder.

Keith Brown, 52, from the Normacot area of Stoke-on-Trent, died in hospital from a single stab wound, after police were called to a disturbance on 6 July.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said it was looking at the contact the force had with Mr Brown in the run-up to his death.

Habib Khan, 49, of Uttoxeter Road, has since been charged with his murder.

'Police actions'

The IPCC said the matter had been referred to them by Staffordshire Police.

IPCC Commissioner John Crawley said: "Our investigation will be a thorough and objective review examining all of the previous relevant police contact with both men and their households prior to the incident on 6 July.

"We will assess whether police actions and responses were proportionate and appropriate given the information available and the options available to the police on each occasion."

The scene at Uttoxeter Road was sealed off as part of the investigation for several hours after police were called to the property.