Inquest Into Death of Abdul Hamid Following Restraint by West Midlands Police

Midlands: Abdul Hamid died following restraint by West Midlands police and members of the public on 1 May 2020. An inquest into his death will take place next week to examine the circumstances, including the actions of police and members of public on the scene. Abdul was a 26 year old Asian man from Birmingham. His family describe him as someone with a big heart and an infectious smile, who touched the lives of those around him with his kindness and positivity. Abdul had a history of ill mental health and drug use. He was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, which was being managed with medication. Abdul also had a knee injury which impacted his mobility.

On 1 May 2020 at around 8am, Abdul was involved in a road traffic accident with another car near the A45, Broad Lane junction in Coventry.  After the incident, Abdul reportedly tried to run from the scene but was restrained by members of the public who gathered and tried to detain Abdul in order to stop him from leaving. A police officer was passing by and came to assist members of the public. Abdul was handcuffed and restrained by the police officer, assisted by those members of the public. At some point during the restraint, Abdul became unresponsive. Two uniformed police officers attended shortly thereafter and noted Abdul was unresponsive at which point the handcuffs were removed and CPR commenced. Paramedics arrived at the scene and Abdul was pronounced dead later that morning.

The family hope the inquest will examine Abdul’s medical cause of death including the effect of the restraint on Abdul’s condition, the actions of the members of the public and police officers including the assessment of Abdul’s welfare and actions taken as a result. The family have serious concerns about the actions of those involved in the restraint and potential failures to take steps to assist Abdul or provide first aid despite him not being responsive.

Source: INQUEST, https://is.gd/scqEJT