Watchdog to investigate death of man after police contact at Bristol protest | Police
The police watchdog is investigating the use of force against a retired NHS worker who attended a counter-demonstration against the far right and died shortly after coming into contact with officers there.
Nicholas Stone, 65, of Bristol, died on January 10 after falling ill during a protest against right-wing group Bristol Patriots, who were demonstrating in the city centre.
According to the information received from Stone’s family’s legal team and the police, while Stone was running towards Clare Street at around 11.54 during the demonstration, police teams were approaching that street to create a cordon. Two police officers used force to prevent Stone from passing.
As a result, he fell on his back to the ground. Other protesters helped him to his feet. At around 13:00, a first aid worker was asked to help him, saying he felt damp and cold. He helped her get into a taxi at 13.19. Avon and Somerset police told the Guardian they received a call from the ambulance service at 1.50pm about a man in cardiac arrest. He died at the scene.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct initially refused to investigate, instead stating that Avon and Somerset police should conduct an internal investigation. However, they have now confirmed they will conduct an independent investigation.
“Following representations made to the IOPC, we have re-evaluated this decision and decided that an independent investigation is necessary,” an IOPC spokesman said.
“We are reviewing Mr Stone’s contact with officers, including any use of force, and whether this was necessary, reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances.”
“The Force has advised us that Nicholas Stone had some interactions with officers just before noon on January 10, 2026.
“We received a mandatory referral from Avon and Somerset Police in January 2026.”
Nicholas Stone’s daughter Celia Stone, 33, who lives in Manchester, welcomed the IOPC’s decision to investigate her father’s death.
He told the Guardian that the IOPC had written to him and that due to the seriousness of the incident and factors in the public interest, it was decided that the case would be independently investigated.
“It’s frustrating that it took four months and multiple representations,” he said. “It is necessary to investigate the lawfulness of the force used against my father and whether it was necessary and proportionate. This is not only important for our family, but also in the public interest to ensure that this is properly investigated. I am determined to fight as much as it takes to achieve justice for my father.”
The whole thing was very traumatic for me. I am an only child and my father raised me as a single parent. “He had no diagnosed medical conditions at the time of his death.”
“My father was a retired mental health worker. He worked for the NHS for over 20 years supporting some of the most vulnerable people in society. He was a very kind and gentle man and very passionate about human rights and making the world a better and safer place. He always advocated for equality.
“I believe my father would still be alive today if it had not been for the police intervention in the protest.”
A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: “Officers were called by the ambulance service at around 1.50pm on Saturday, January 10… to reports of a man suffering from a heart attack. “Sadly, despite the efforts of emergency staff, the man died at the scene.
“During investigations it was established that the man had attended a protest event in Bristol city center earlier in the day where he came into contact with police.
“As a result, a mandatory referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), who decided it was appropriate to conduct a local investigation by our Professional Standards Department.
“Following the re-evaluation, we have been informed that the IOPC will treat this as an independent investigation and that we will cooperate in this matter.”
