Caught on video: Moment police officers wrestle suspected drug user to the ground who then dies
- WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT
- Man died after he was tackled by undercover police officers in Bedford
- Footage has since emerged of the incident yesterday lunchtime
- Three police officers pinned the man to the ground then performed CPR
Disturbing footage has emerged of the moment police restrained a suspected drug user who later died.
The film shows the man being pinned to the ground, his head pushed to the pavement, before he stopped breathing.
It was captured by a passer-by on his mobile phone in Bedford town centre yesterday lunchtime.
Bedford Police confirmed a man had died at the scene and that the incident had been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPPC).
Witnesses said 'four or five' plain-clothes cops jumped out of an unmarked van and chased the man, who has been named locally as Carl Brunner.
He was then pinned down as officers were heard shouting 'Spit it out, spit it out' as they hold him down with their knees on his back and hands on his head.
Two officers restrain him with force before a third adds his weight as the man appears to struggle.
As it becomes apparent the man has lost consciousness, the police begin frantically performing CPR.
The man who filmed the footage said: 'He was out - completely out. They were searching his pockets while he was out. Then they backed off.
'They asked me to turn my video off but I didn't. There were lots of other people around and there is a camera straight opposite, a CCTV camera.
'I think he was being chased for something to do with drugs. That's why they had him on the floor.'
Three officers were shown tackling the man, named locally as Carl Brunner, who later died
Arron Davies, believed to be a friend of the deceased, said: 'Rip Yankee Carl brunna died by police tackle bash to the head u were good guy Yankee and will be missed.
'So sad. Bedford police got lot questions to answer.'
Another tribute, from Clive Leybourne, said: 'He used to sit in the same spot quietly having a drink watching the world go by.
'He was softly spoken and always glad to have a chat and a bite to eat with me. I shall miss him.'
A Bedfordshire Police spokesperson said: 'Officers gave first aid at the scene and the ambulance service also attended, however the man has sadly died.
'The IPCC will be informed of the incident, as is procedure when a person dies who has been in recent contact with the police. No further details will be released at this time.'
The IPCC confirmed they have launched an independent investigation into the incident.
Witnesses at the scene were critical of the conduct of the police and tributes have been paid to the deceased
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