BRISTOL — The Independent Office for Police Conduct has opened an independent investigation into the death of 65-year-old Nicholas Stone, who died on 10 January 2026 after officers used force against him at a protest in Bristol city centre. The watchdog had initially declined to take on the case and recommended an internal inquiry by Avon and Somerset police before reassessing its decision.

Stone, a retired NHS worker who lived in Bristol, became unwell at a demonstration opposing the rightwing group Bristol Patriots. At approximately 11.54am, he ran towards Clare Street at the same time officers were approaching to form a cordon, and two officers used force to prevent him from passing. He ended up on his back on the ground and was helped to his feet by other protesters.

At about 1pm, a first aider assisted Stone after he said he was feeling clammy and cold, and helped him into a taxi at 1.19pm. Avon and Somerset police received a call from the ambulance service at 1.50pm reporting a man in cardiac arrest. Stone died at the scene.

"We received a mandatory referral from Avon and Somerset police in January 2026," an IOPC spokesperson said. "We are examining Mr Stone's contact with officers including any use of force and whether that was necessary, reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances."

Stone's daughter Celia Stone said: "The lawfulness of the force used against my dad and whether it was necessary and proportionate needs to be investigated. It's not only important for our family but it's also in the public interest to make sure this is investigated properly. I'm determined to fight for as long as it takes to get justice for my dad."

Celia Stone described her father in a further statement. "My dad was a retired mental health worker. He spent over 20 years working for the NHS supporting some of the most vulnerable people in society. He was a very gentle and kind man and was very passionate about human rights and making the world a better and safer place." She added: "The whole thing has been so traumatising for me. I'm an only child and my dad brought me up as a single parent. He had no diagnosed medical conditions at the time of his death."

She also said: "I believe that if the police intervention at the protest had not happened, my dad would still be alive today."

During inquiries, Avon and Somerset police established that Stone had attended protest activity earlier in the day in Bristol city centre and had prior police contact. A spokesperson for the force said: "As a result, a mandatory referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, who decided it was suitable for a local investigation to be carried out by our professional standards department." The spokesperson added: "Following reassessment, we have been informed the IOPC will be taking this on as an independent investigation and we will cooperate with this."