Two police officers could face manslaughter charges after a one-legged dementia patient in a wheelchair was shot with a Taser and pepper sprayed.

Donald Burgess, a resident at a care home in St Leonards, later died in hospital.

Sussex Police officers were called when staff at the care home reported being threatened with a knife.

After an investigation by the police watchdog a file was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service.

A spokesman for the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said: "We concluded our investigation into this incident in December 2022, however we had to await the full report from the pathologist, which was required before we could make a decision on whether the matter should be referred to the CPS.

“After receiving this report in May, we subsequently referred a file of evidence to the CPS who will now consider whether any officers should be charged, and if so, what the appropriate charges are.

“The parties involved have been advised of this update.”

Mr Burgess died three weeks after the events took place on June 21 last year.

Officers were taken to his room where Mr Burgess was in a wheelchair holding a knife. He was then pepper sprayed and tasered before he dropped the knife and was handcuffed.

In August last year, IOPC regional director Graham Beesley said “I want to express my sympathies to the man’s relatives and those who knew him.

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“We have advised his next-of-kin of our independent investigation and explained the steps we will be taking.

“This will include investigating whether the force used by the two officers against this male, was reasonable, necessary and proportionate in the circumstances and in line with local and national policies, procedures and guidance.”

Sussex Police said they were providing every assistance to the IOPC.

A spokesman said: “We have supported the independent investigation and continue to offer our full co-operation.

“We await the outcome of the decision by the Crown Prosecution Service.

“As this remains a live criminal investigation, we are unable to comment further.”