A BELOVED father has died after a disturbance at a holiday park resulted in him in being “pinned down by security staff” and arrested by police.

An investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the death of 38-year-old Paul Gladwell yesterday.

Mr Gladwell, of Magdalen Green, Colchester, was on a family holiday at Pontins in Suffolk for half term.

A family member says one of his children was being bullied and Mr Gladwell got into an altercation with another parent in the club bar.

His family claim he was carried unconscious to a police riot van.

When officers from Suffolk Police realised he was seriously hurt they called for an ambulance.

He was taken to hospital and was put on a life support machine until yesterday morning when the decision was made to turn it off.

A spokesman for the Independent Police Complaints Commission said: “Paul Gladwell was initially detained by staff at Pontins Holiday Park, Lowestoft at about 11.40pm on Tuesday and subsequently arrested on suspicion of assault.

“While being transported to Great Yarmouth Police Investigation Centre in a police van officers became concerned for his wellbeing, stopped the van, and contacted an ambulance.

“The man was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital by ambulance in a critical condition. Sadly yesterday Mr Gladwell was pronounced dead.”

Investigators are carrying out enquiries at the holiday park, speaking to witnesses and gathering CCTV footage.

Cindy Butts, police complaints commissioner, said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s relatives and friends at this difficult time.

“Our investigators will be conducting a thorough enquiry into all the circumstances surrounding his interaction with the police.”

Friends and family are calling for answers.

Sources close to the family have also launched a crowdfunding page.

Suffolk Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident before its officers arrived.

The IPCC is investigating the incident after officers from Suffolk Police became involved.

Anyone who witnessed the incident e-mail witness@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk or call 0800 096 9070.