No one will be charged with any offence following the death of Sam Diatta in York, police said today.
Mr Diatta died almost a year ago after an incident in the former Mappin & Webb jewellery store on Coney Steet.
He died after being restrained by members of the public in the shop on 26 July 2022.
Four men were arrested in connection with the incident, but today officers said they would not face charges.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said that “following the submission of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Case Team, the four men who were all subsequently arrested in connection with the incident, will not face any criminal charges and have been released from the investigation.
“Two of the men had been in the store when Samuel entered, and two were passing by when the incident had started.
“North Yorkshire Police’s Major Investigation Team conducted a significant and very complex investigation to prove, or disprove, any individual, or collective criminal responsibilities relating to the death of Samuel.
“This has been complex for a variety of reasons, including the fact that specialist medical evidence and expert opinion was required.
“A report will now be passed to the Coroner to inform a future inquest into Samuel’s death.
“Our thoughts remain with Samuel’s family at this time.
“They have been fully informed of the rationale for the CPS’ decision, and have been supported by specialist officers throughout the investigation.”
The North Yorkshire coroner opened Mr Diatta’s inquest in January, at which the provisional cause of death was given as hypertensive heart disease and the effects of being restrained.
His family paid a long and loving tribute to him, saying he was “a gentle giant, who was kind and generous and loved by all who met him.
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