THREE men were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after a suspected supermarket shoplifting ended in death.

A 40-year-old man died following a report of shoplifting at a Sainsbury’s in St Leonards.

Sussex Police confirmed the incident had been referred to the office of police conduct.

None of the three men, aged 28, 24 and 53, are serving police officers, the force said.

They have now been released under investigation.

Police were called to the store at 9.45pm on Tuesday.

A spokesman for the force said despite efforts by police and paramedics to resuscitate the man he was pronounced dead at the scene.

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.”

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) was alerted by a mandatory referral from Sussex Police Professional Standards Department due to attendance of officers at the incident.

Anyone with relevant mobile phone footage of the incident as asked to contact police online or phone 101, quoting Operation Millbank.