Brain damaged Leyland man gets apology from police after he was Pava sprayed and arrested during a diabetic episode

The force has also promised to refresh training to make officers are aware of how people living with diabetes may present when ill.

It came after officers attended Spar on Broadfield Drive in Leyland, at 3pm on Friday, July 10 over an alleged domestic incident, which the man was later found not to be linked to.

On arrival they were directed by staff to a man who appeared to be under the influence of substances and was reportedly stumbling into shelves and knocking items over.

Two officers escorted the man from the shop but he then became agitated, so officers deployed spray, took him to the ground to restrain him, and arrested him on suspicion of causing a breach of the peace.

The police were then told he was suffering from a diabetic episode.

In custody he was immediately seen by a health professional who confirmed his condition. He was released without charge.

A police spokesman said: “While the exact circumstances are being looked into we have subsequently met with he family face to face on two occasions and have apologised for any distress caused.

“We will now ensure that officers are aware of how those living with diabetes may present and that training is refreshed across the force.”

A member of the man's family, who did not wish to be identified, said the man had suffered brain damage after slipping into a diabetic coma in August 2019.

He was initially given 24 hours to live and put into an induced coma.

He was in ICU for 16 days on life support, after which he spent six months on a neuro rehabilitation ward.

She said: " He has been trying to get his life back on track by slowly adjusting to living with severe brain damage.

"His brain injury mixed with his diabetic situation makes everyday life a struggle, but we believe if heis trauma free for three months his brain will start to repair. It is clear by just speaking to him he has severe brain damage.

"The police presumed Lee was under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and never asked if he had a medical condition."

Prior to the incident the family says the man had been on his way home with his uncle, who noticed Lee’s behaviour changing. Realising he needed some food to adjust his sugar levels, they pulled over at the Spar shop.