A POLICE investigation is under way following the death of a male patient at Poole Hospital after he had been restrained by staff.

Officers were called to the Longfleet Road hospital on Monday, January 14.

Now a detailed investigation is taking place into the circumstances.

The patient was aged 54.

A spokesman for the hospital confirmed said: “We can confirm that police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a patient’s death at the hospital on 14 January.

“We can also confirm that the patient was restrained by our staff prior to his death.

“The hospital informed police of the incident and we continue to assist them with their enquiries.

“Our thoughts are with the patient’s relatives at this difficult time.

“While the circumstances around the death are being investigated, it would not be appropriate to comment further.”

In a statement Dorset police said: "We were called at 7.19pm on Monday 14 January to Poole Hospital on Longfleet Road following the sudden death of a 54-year-old Poole man who was a patient at the hospital.

"It was reported that the man was restrained by hospital staff prior to his death.

"His family have been informed and the coroner has been notified.

"The full circumstances around the death and the cause is being investigated by Dorset Police on behalf of the coroner. "