An Independent Police Complaints Commission investigation has concluded there was no culpability on behalf of three Cheshire Constabulary officers in relation to the death of Trevor Harding.

Mr Harding died at his home in Frodsham Way, Handforth on 3 February 2005 whilst he was being arrested. Officers had been called out by a neighbour worried by Mr Harding's behaviour.

The matter was referred to the IPCC and it was decided that an independent investigation would be conducted to determine whether the three officers involved had acted correctly.

The investigation concluded that the officers had acted appropriately, proportionately and professionally in their handling of the situation. The attempts made to save Mr Harding's life once it became apparent he was in difficulty were cited as worthy of recognition.

The investigation found that Mr Harding had a history of prolonged and excessive inhalation of butane gas. On the day of his death he had been shouting threats and acting erratically which prompted neighbours to contact the police.

Three officers attended and entered Mr Harding's flat. He initially appeared compliant but then became agitated and struck one officer. This prompted the officers to arrest Mr Harding and apply handcuffs. However it quickly became apparent that Mr Harding had stopped breathing and the officers called for urgent medical assistance and attempted to resuscitate him over a period of approximately 20 minutes until an ambulance arrived. Unfortunately Mr Harding was already dead.

The post mortem and subsequent toxicology -*test*-('")s revealed Mr Harding had died from butane toxicity. Any suggestions that Mr Harding had been assaulted or died from asphyxiation due the position the officers put him in were shown to be false.

Mike Franklin, IPCC Commissioner for the North West, said: "The officers were faced with a very difficult situation. Mr Harding was volatile and unpredictable in his behaviour. The officers acted proportionately and professionally in first attempting the calm the situation and then detaining Mr Harding when he became violent.

"It is clear from the evidence that it was Mr Harding's prolonged and excessive use of butane gas, rather than the actions of the officers, that caused his death. My sympathies go out, not only to Mr Harding's family for the loss, but also to the officers involved in this difficult and traumatic incident.

"In fact the officers' actions in doing everything they could to resuscitate Mr Harding after his collapse should be recognised."

* An inquest into Mr Harding's death concluded on Monday 13 November and determined that he died from butane toxicity.