Candle-lit vigil for Wexham Park 'tragedy'

The family of a hospital patient who died after being restrained by security staff and handcuffed by police is holding a candle-lit vigil outside Wexham Park Hospital tonight.

Rachel Gumbs, eldest of four sisters, said the death of her father, Philmore Mills, was a ‘tragedy for us all’ and demanded the truth from the hospital authorities as well as Thames Valley Police.

Family solicitor Kate Maynard said: “For any family to have to face the news that their loved one has died after restraint by police is devastating, but for it to happen in a hospital is very hard for them to comprehend.

“The delay in getting information from the investigators breeds suspicion and mistrust.”

Mr Mills, divorced, of Tamar Way, Langley, was suffering from pneumonia when he was admitted to the intensive care unit on December 21.In the early hours of December 27 an incident occurred on ward nine in which security staff, and then police, were called.

Family members claim that Mr Mills was handcuffed behind his back, but became unresponsive, and died within an hour, shortly before 4am. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) launched an investigation on December 29.

The funeral will take place at St Marys Church, Church Street, Slough, at 1.45pm on Friday, February 3, followed by cremation at Slough at 3pm.

For full story and family tribute see today's Slough Express.