An Axminster man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after a man was found in critical condition in the town yesterday and later pronounced dead at hospital.

Devon and Cornwall Police were called to assist Avon and Somerset Police with enquiries being carried out in the Axminster area at about 10.30am on Tuesday, July 19.

Limited details have been released on the incident, but it was reported that the occupants of a car had left the scene in Lyme Road, Axminster.

A short time later, a call was received from a member of the public regarding a further incident nearby and a man was subsequently located.

When officers arrived at the scene, the man was unconscious and they immediately administered emergency treatment.

He was taken to hospital in a critical condition and was later pronounced deceased. His next-of-kin have been informed.

Devon and Cornwall Police is conducting an investigation into the circumstances and a number of scene cordons remain in place at this time.

Lyme Road was closed in both directions for several hours due to the incident.

A man in his 30s from the Axminster area was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. He was on Tuesday evening further arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and remains in police custody at this time. 

Anyone who has information that could help police with their enquiries is asked to email [email protected] or call 101 quoting log number 342 of 19/07/21.

Due to prior involvement with its officers, Avon and Somerset Police has informed the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and a mandatory referral will be made in due course.