Kevin Clarke Dies After Police Restraint in Mental Health Crisis
An inquest has ruled that Kevin Clarke’s death was caused by acute behavioural disturbance, exhaustion, and cardiac arrest — all worsened by police restraint, a struggle, and being walked. The jury slammed officers for failing to remove restraints sooner and criticised the poor supervision at the scene.
Timeline of Tragic Events
- 2pm, 9 March 2018: Police respond to staff concerns at Catford supported living accommodation. Clarke was pacing outside, nearing a relapse. Officers spoke to him but decided not to use powers under the Mental Health Act.
- 2.20pm: Officers are called again after reports of Clarke climbing over fences. They find him lying in a field.
- London Ambulance Service is called. Seven more officers arrive to assist.
- While waiting for the ambulance, Clarke becomes agitated and is restrained by officers.
- Clarke is moved into the ambulance, suffers cardiac arrest, and later dies at Lewisham University Hospital.
Police Respond to Criticism
Commander Bas Javid of Frontline Policing expressed sympathy for Clarke’s family and apologised for the police’s failings. He said:
“His death was a tragedy. The officers faced a difficult situation with a man in mental health crisis needing urgent care. They called for an ambulance within 90 seconds.”
Javid added that the Met Police is committed to learning from this case and will review policies on restraint and handling mental health crises. He said:
“We will carefully consider the jury’s observations and work with national colleagues to improve officer training for these fast-paced incidents. We will also look into further reports from the coroner.”
Calls for Better Mental Health Crisis Training
The case shines a harsh light on how police handle vulnerable people in mental health emergencies. The jury’s findings underline the urgent need for better supervision, quicker restraint removal, and improved response strategies to prevent future tragedies.
