Three police officers have been told their care of a Maidstone man who died in custody may amount to gross misconduct.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating the death of Carl Maynard, 29, who collapsed at Tonbridge Police Station on October 13 while his fingerprints were being taken.

During its investigation, which is still ongoing, the watchdog found Kent Police’s guidelines for how officers deal with a suspect in need of urgent medical attention were out of date.

Mr Maynard, of Lincoln Road, Shepway, was taken to the police station after being arrested following allegations of a domestic incident on October 1.

An inquest was opened a fortnight ago and the coroner was told a post-mortem examination had proved inconclusive.

As part of the investigation into what happened, officers have provided accounts, CCTV has been looked at and policies and guidance have been reviewed to determine if correct procedures were followed.

“The serving of the notices on the three officers represents a new stage in our investigation but I would like to emphasise it does not indicate guilt on any person’s part.” - Catherine Hall, operations manager, IPCC

The watchdog has told Kent Police to update its Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on ‘Defendant Custody Management’ for how staff handle medical emergencies. The force has agreed to do so.

The IPCC has also informed three officers their actions in carrying out Mr Maynard’s arrest on October 13 and the subsequent level of care provided to him may have constituted gross misconduct.

The serving of misconduct notices on officers does not indicate guilt, or mean that misconduct proceedings will follow, but they will be interviewed under misconduct caution.

Catherine Hall, operations manager, said: “Our investigation, launched following the tragic death of Mr Maynard, is progressing well. IPCC investigators are currently assessing the evidence already gathered and continuing lines of enquiry.

“I am pleased Kent Police has accepted our quick-time learning recommendation and that they will look to implement it immediately.

“The serving of the notices on the three officers represents a new stage in our investigation but I would like to emphasise it does not indicate guilt on any person’s part.”