The search for answers is underway after the “tragic” death of a man after he was restrained by police in Catford.

Kevin Clarke, 35, was pronounced dead at Lewisham hospital shortly after 4pm on March 9.

Police were initially called to an incident on Polsted Road outside St Dunstans College at 2.20pm where, according to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), he appeared to have been having a mental health crisis.

Mr Clarke was restrained before ambulances arrived and his condition is reported to have deteriorated as paramedics arrived on the scene.

Now Mr Clarke’s family and the IOPC are searching for answers and looking for anyone with information to come forward.

IOPC regional director Jonathan Green said: “This is clearly a tragic incident. My thoughts are with Mr Clarke’s family and friends and all those affected.

“I am aware this incident is also of concern to the wider community and want to reassure everyone that we are making good progress with our independent investigation of the incident.

“Our enquiries have been greatly helped by the body worn video activated by many of the officers involved.

“The role of the IOPC in these circumstances is to carefully establish the facts of the incident including fully examining the evidence and to look at the police actions and responses to Kevin, who we understand had a diagnosed mental health illness.

“I would like to reassure all of those affected and concerned that we will carry out a comprehensive and thorough independent investigation.

“I would urge anyone who saw Kevin on the afternoon of Friday 9 March, or anyone who may have any information at all which may help our investigators, to please come forward.”