Cheng Somers' death: Devon and Cornwall Police face probe

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-21516305

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An investigation has been launched into police call handling after the death of a man with mental health issues.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is focusing on how police dealt with Cheng Somers in the weeks leading up to his death.

Mr Somers, 36, also known as Valan Pitts, went missing last July. His body was found in Winner Street in Paignton, Devon, on 22 August.

Devon and Cornwall Police said they were unable to comment on the case.

The IPCC said notices of investigation had been served on five police call handlers who were on duty on 24 and 25 July.

The watchdog is looking at how staff responded to a call from a member of the public on 25 July, who reported that a man outside his house was taking tablets.

The IPCC is also investigating how the police dealt with a missing person report made by Mr Somers' family on 31 July and complaints made by his family about the way their telephone calls to the police were handled.

The Plymouth Safeguarding Adults Board has also set up a serious case review into whether there are any lessons to be learned.

IPCC commissioner Rachel Cerfontyne said: "It is clear that Mr Somers had mental health issues and he was very vulnerable.

"It is vital that the full circumstances of Mr Somers' tragic death are investigated in order to provide answers to the many questions his family have."