Investigation launched over Peasholm death

Gavin Francis Egan, 34, was found dead in the lake at Peasholm Park on Wednesday February 24.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has appealed for witnesses to come forward in response to concerns for the welfare of a man that had been pulled out of the lake earlier that morning.

The IPCC said police had been contacted by Yorkshire Ambulance Service at around 4am, after a call from a member of the public who reported that a man had been pulled from the lake.

Police officers and the ambulance service attended the scene but did not locate the individual. Mr Egan's body was found in the lake at Peasholm Park at around 11.30am.

The IPCC’s investigation will focus on the actions taken by North Yorkshire Police in response to the information from the ambulance service and the discovery of Mr Egan's body.

IPCC associate commissioner Tom Milsom said: “My sympathies go out to Mr Egan’s family and friends.

"Our investigation will examine how North Yorkshire Police responded to the report by the ambulance service to determine whether the appropriate action was taken.

"I urge anyone who may have information relating to this incident to contact the IPCC as soon as possible.”

Anyone who may have seen or heard anyone in the lake, or witnessed the subsequent police search in Peasholm Park between the hours of 4am and 11.30am on Wednesday 24 February 2016, should contact the IPCC on 0800 151 0020 or by emailing [email protected]