AN investigation has been launched after a man who was handcuffed by police fell ill and died in hospital.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) announced it was looking into the incident that occurred at Nisa in Farnworth on Thursday.

Police were called at 1.35pm to reports of a man with a knife at the St James' Street Store.

The man in his 40s had already been detained by members of the public when officers arrived, who handcuffed him.

He then became ill, the handcuffs were removed and the officers carried out first aid.

An ambulance rushed him to hospital but he was later pronounced dead.

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of assault and remain in police custody.

Investigators from the IOPC attended the "post-incident procedures", where they took statements from the officers involved.

They have also viewed body cam footage of the incident and CCTV from the shop will also be analysed.

A post mortem was due to take place today (Friday, May 4).

IOPC regional director Amanda Rowe said: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by this incident. Despite being at the early stage of the investigation, we have already made significant progress.

"This includes taking detailed accounts from the officers who were at the scene and viewing a significant amount of body worn video footage.

"Where there has been police contact prior to a person’s death we have a duty to investigate the circumstances, and we will be contacting the man’s family to discuss our involvement.

"Our investigation will look at GMP’s response to the report to them, and the actions taken."

A spokesman from Greater Manchester Police said the force’s Professional Standards Branch had been informed in line with policy.

Superintendent Steve Howard said: “Officers responded to reports of a man with a knife in a shop in Farnworth and found a man who had been detained by members of the public.

“He was handcuffed by officers before falling ill and being taken to hospital where he was sadly pronounced dead.

“Our thoughts remain with the man’s family at this difficult time and we are working to provide them with support from specially trained officers.

“We are currently carrying out enquiries to establish the full circumstances of the incident and I would ask that anybody who believes they have information which can assist us in our enquiries to please contact police.”

A cordon was put up while the officers inspected the scene.

There were reports from the public that it had been a stabbing but those were denied by police.

Sam Wood, aged 23, was with his mother in her flat above the shop when the incident occurred.

He said: "It was a surprise to us. I was upstairs in the flat with my mum and my sisters and we didn't hear anything.

"Then all of a sudden someone said there was something happening outside and we went to the window and there were police everywhere and an ambulance with its doors open."

He explained that the police had put up a cordon around the flat and asked everyone to stay inside until they could be interviewed.

Anyone who has any information should contact police in 101 quoting 1053 of May 3, or through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.