Police investigating East Sussex Sainsbury’s death were responding to ‘suspected shoplifting’

Officers investigating the death of a 40-year-old man outside a Sainsbury’s supermarket in East Sussex were responding to reports of a shoplifting offence, police have confirmed.
A 40-year-old man died outside Sainsbury's supermarket, in John Macadam Way, St Leonards. Picture: GoogleA 40-year-old man died outside Sainsbury's supermarket, in John Macadam Way, St Leonards. Picture: Google
A 40-year-old man died outside Sainsbury's supermarket, in John Macadam Way, St Leonards. Picture: Google

Police said they were called to the store, in John Macadam Way, off Sedlescombe Road North, St Leonards at 9.45pm on Tuesday (July 2).

On Friday (July 5), a police spokesman said the death followed reports of a suspected shoplifting offence and confirmed officers were responding to that report.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Despite attempts by police and paramedics to resuscitate the man, aged 40, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Three men, aged 28, 24 and 53, who were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter have now been released under investigation, police said.

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Geldart from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends at this time.

“We would like to hear from anyone who was in the store or just outside the entrance on Tuesday evening at about 9.30pm who may have witnessed something which could help with our investigation.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Witnesses to what happened, and anyone with relevant mobile phone footage of the incident, are asked to contact police online or phone 101, quoting Operation Millbank.

Police said the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is carrying out an independent investigation into the death after a mandatory referral was made by Sussex Police Professional Standards Department due to attendance of police to the incident.

See more: