Stephen Reardon, 34, died after collapsing in the back of a police van in St Austell, Cornwall, in July 2023. Two officers have now been sacked for gross misconduct He died in the van (stock) (Image: georgeclerk via Getty Images)

Two Devon & Cornwall police officers who failed to provide emergency first aid to a man who died after collapsing in the back of their police van have been sacked for gross misconduct. A disciplinary panel found the actions of Pc Grant Mackenzie and Pc Dean Hunkin amounted to gross misconduct – and they were dismissed without notice on Thursday, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said. ‌

The officers failed to spot that Stephen Reardon, 34, needed urgent medical attention . At one point, Pc Hunkin said Mr Reardon was "playing games"

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