THREE police officers are facing a criminal investigation after a father from Colchester died.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has spent six weeks looking into the death of Paul Gladwell, also known as Paul Reynolds, following an incident at a holiday park.

A spokesman for the IPCC confirmed: “Three police officers have now been served with gross misconduct notices and will be investigated criminally for misconduct in public office and health and safety failings.”

On February 14, the 38-year-old father, of Magdalen Green, Colchester, was involved in an altercation with another family at Pontins in Lowestoft during school half term.

Police were called at about 11.40pm.

It was alleged the Asperger’s Syndrome sufferer was upset claiming one of his children was being bullied.

His family claim he was pinned down by security guards and could not breathe.

It is further alleged he was put into a police riot van while unconscious.

A statement from the IPCC stated: “An IPCC investigation into police contact with a man holidaying in Lowestoft who later died in hospital is progressing well.

“Mr Reynolds, 38, of Colchester, was arrested but on his way to custody, Suffolk Police officers became concerned for his wellbeing and contacted an ambulance.

“He was taken to hospital but later died.

“The IPCC launched an independent investigation into the contact between Mr Reynolds and police after Suffolk Police referred the incident to the commission.

“Suffolk Police is conducting a parallel investigation into the actions of the security staff, who were involved in detaining Mr Reynolds up to the point when officers arrived.

“The IPCC is interviewing witnesses and CCTV has been secured.”

Serving a notice means police officers are told their conduct is being investigated.

At the end of the investigation a commissioner will decide whether to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service.

The CPS will then decide whether any criminal charges are brought and any prosecution follows.

A spokesman for Suffolk Police said: “Suffolk Police are investigating the incident up to the time officers arrived at the scene and our inquiries continue.

“There have been no arrests made.”

Mr Gladwell was taken to hospital but did not survive.

On February 16, his family made the decision to turn off the life-support machine and he was pronounced dead.

The two parallel investigations will continue and his family have been informed.