- Celia Stone wants an independent probe into her father’s death after police contact.
- Nicholas Stone died from cardiac arrest following a protest against the far right.
- The IOPC is reconsidering whether to lead the investigation into the incident.
Nicholas Stone, a 65 year old former NHS employee, died on 10 January in Bristol. The event occurred during a demonstration against the Bristol Patriots. Stone had no known medical issues before this incident. His daughter, Celia Stone, is now demanding a full independent investigation.
At 11.54am, police officers used force to stop Stone from entering Clare Street. This contact sent him falling onto his back. Other attendees helped him up, but he later felt cold and clammy. A first aider assisted him into a taxi at 1.19pm.
Ambulance services reported a cardiac arrest at 1.50pm on Redcatch Road. Despite emergency efforts, the man died at the scene. Greater Manchester police notified Celia Stone, 33, about the death early on 11 January. She described the experience as highly traumatising for her.
Stone spent over 20 years as a mental health worker. His daughter describes him as a gentle man passionate about equality. She believes her father would still be alive if the police intervention had not occurred during the city centre protest.
The IOPC first declined to lead the probe, leaving it to Avon and Somerset police. However, the IOPC is now reassessing that decision. Hazel Metcalfe, the family solicitor, expressed disappointment over the initial lack of an external independent investigation.
