THE POLICE watchdog will relaunch an investigation into the death of a mentally ill man who died in 2018.

Following an inquest, a jury determined the restraint used during the arrest of Kevin Clarke was a factor in his death.

Kevin Clarke, who was a paranoid schizophrenic, died at Lewisham Hospital.

He was detained by police in the Polsted Road area of Catford, South East London and was pronounced dead from exhaustion and cardiac arrest brought on by acute behavioural disturbance.

The 35-year-old had been restrained by up to nine Metropolitan Police officers and during his arrest could be heard to say “I can’t breathe” from footage worn by officers.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said “issues raised during Mr Clarke’s inquest in October 2020 prompted us to review our investigation”.

After concluding its original investigation in the 12 months following Mr Clarke’s death, they said:

“Following legislative changes introduced in February 2020, the IOPC can reinvestigate a matter where there are compelling reasons to do so.

“We have informed Mr Clarke’s family, the officers involved and the Metropolitan Police Service.”

In October, an inquest at Southwark Coroner’s Court heard that Mr Clarke told officers “I’m going to die” and “I can’t breathe” while being detained.

During his arrest, he was put into two sets of handcuffs in addition to leg restraints. He was made to walk to an ambulance while still bound at the knees and later lost consciousness.

Following five days of deliberations at the inquest jury, they found that the restraints on Mr Clarke were “inappropriate”.

The jury also concluded that it was also “highly likely” that at least one officer heard Mr Clarke say “I can’t breathe” more than once during his arrest.

IOPC said it was reopening the investigation based on new findings from the pathologist’s report.

It was also found that the Met broke regulations by holding misconduct proceedings without telling Mr Clarke’s family or the police watchdog.