A police investigation is under way after the death of a mental patient who was involved in a struggle with staff at a south Essex hospital.

Three members of nursing staff have been suspended from Runwell Hospital, Wickford.

Michael Goldwater, from Southend, died last week following the incident in which he had to be restrained.

A clinical review involving independent nursing and medical experts has been launched by the South Essex Mental Health and Community Care NHS Trust.

The 35-year-old patient was taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow for treatment after the incident. He died on Wednesday, April 5.

The patient's family, who live in Hainault Avenue, Westcliff, were today still struggling to come to terms with their loss.

They will not learn the precise cause of their son's death for another week, when a coroner in Harlow will decide whether to open an inquest.

Staff at the mental health hospital are being interviewed by police as part of the investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the death. Police would not comment.

Runwell Hospital, which houses the head office of the South Essex Mental Health and Community Care NHS Trust, is due to close next year after taking care of patients with mental illnesses since 1937.

A trust spokeswoman said: "We are in contact with the family and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with them at this distressing time."

Runwell Hospital - a patient died after being restrained by staff

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