Vigil to mark anniversary of police search death (From This Is Local London)

Vigil to mark anniversary of police search death

2:12pm Monday 6th July 2009 in

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FRIENDS and family of a man who died after being restrained by police held a vigil on the first anniversary of his death.

They gathered to remember Habib Ullah outside High Wycombe police station on Friday.

A total of 65 balloons – representing deaths in policy custody – were released and leaflets were handed to passing drivers.

Mr Ullah collapsed after being restrained by police in Sharrow Vale, High Wycombe.

Officers searched a car and three occupants. One noticed something in his cheek and asked him to spit it out.

When the 39-year-old refused he was restrained and collapsed.

An autopsy revealed one package of crack cocaine in his colon and another in his throat.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has been investigating since shortly after the incident.

Organiser Saqib Deshmukh said family and friends wanted answers about what happened.

He said: “The family are still in shock.

“We have had some really good support.

“The support from children and young people and women is important. This isn’t just a bunch of blokes from the mosque complaining about something.

“It is really important we have a cross section of people here.”