Daughter Demands Full Investigation Into Father's Death Following Police Contact at Bristol Protest
The daughter of a retired NHS worker is calling for a comprehensive and independent investigation into her father's death after it was revealed he died following police contact at a protest against a far-right group in Bristol.
Details of the Incident
Nicholas Stone, a 65-year-old Bristol resident, passed away on January 10 after becoming unwell during a demonstration opposing the right-wing organization Bristol Patriots, who were staging a protest in the city center.
According to information from Stone's family's legal representatives and police reports, during the demonstration at approximately 11:54 AM, Stone ran toward Clare Street just as police officers were approaching that street to establish a cordon. Two officers used physical force to prevent Stone from passing through.
As a result of this intervention, Stone ended up on the ground on his back. Several other protest attendees helped him back to his feet. Around 1:00 PM, a first aider was requested to assist Stone as he was sitting on a bench and reported feeling clammy and cold. She helped him into a taxi at 1:19 PM.
Avon and Somerset police confirmed to media sources that they received a call from the ambulance service at 1:50 PM regarding a man in cardiac arrest. Despite efforts from emergency personnel, Stone died at the scene.
Family's Response and Calls for Investigation
Celia Stone, 33, who lives in Manchester, received news of her father's death in the early hours of January 11 when officers from Greater Manchester Police knocked on her door to inform her of what had occurred.
"The police didn't give me much information about my dad's death," she stated. "I spent the next few hours trying to get hold of someone at Avon and Somerset police. Eventually a family liaison officer there told me he had died following police contact. The whole thing has been so traumatizing for me. I'm an only child and my dad brought me up as a single parent. He had no diagnosed medical conditions at the time of his death."
Stone emphasized the need for thorough investigation: "What happened to my dad needs to be fully and independently investigated. My dad was a retired mental health worker. He spent over 20 years working for the NHS supporting some of the most vulnerable people in society. He was a very gentle and kind man and was very passionate about human rights and making the world a better and safer place. He always stood up for equality. I believe that if the police intervention at the protest had not happened, my dad would still be alive today."
Police and Regulatory Response
Avon and Somerset police are conducting an internal investigation into the events preceding Stone's death, after the Independent Office for Police Conduct initially declined to investigate. The IOPC has since indicated it is reconsidering this decision.
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset police said: "Officers were called at around 1:50 PM on Saturday 10 January by the ambulance service to Redcatch Road, Bristol, following a report of a man in cardiac arrest. Sadly, despite efforts from emergency personnel, the man died at the scene. During inquiries it was established the man had attended protest activity earlier in the day in Bristol city center, where there was prior police contact. As a result, a mandatory referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, who decided it was suitable for a local investigation to be carried out by our professional standards department. We've been informed this decision is now being reassessed by the IOPC."
An IOPC spokesperson confirmed: "We can confirm we received a referral from Avon and Somerset police in connection with this matter, in January 2026. After assessing the information provided by the force, we decided that an investigation was required and that it was appropriate for that to be carried out locally by Avon and Somerset police. Following representations made to the IOPC, we are now reassessing our original decision for the force to investigate the matter."
Legal Perspective
Celia Stone's solicitor, Hazel Metcalfe of Birnberg Peirce, commented: "This case is of utmost concern to both the family and the public. The initial decision of the IOPC to not investigate the matter themselves was a disappointment. The family are now hopeful the IOPC will make the right decision and direct an independent investigation."
The case highlights ongoing concerns about police conduct during protests and the mechanisms for investigating deaths following police contact, particularly when they occur in politically charged environments.
