Police say there are still a lot of questions left for the coroner to answer following the death of a young man at Lambton Pool yesterday after he suffered a medical episode.
Police were called to the swim centre on Durham Road at about 5pm following reports a young man had assaulted a staff member.
As it happened though, a 17-year-old and his carer were at the pool when he began causing harm to himself and surrounding property. Members of staff, as well as his carer, tried to help him by restraining him so he wouldn't cause any more harm to himself or to others.
Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell says he was punching himself in the head and starting to get aggressive.
Police arrived with paramedics and tried to help the young male by restraining him, but tragically this was when its understood he suffered a medical episode causing him to go unconscious and into cardiac arrest.
He was rushed to the John Hunter Hospital but sadly couldn't be resuscitated.
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| Crime scene at Lambton pool last night. Image 9News |
"There is some suggestion he had a pre-existing medical situation but that needs to be investigated and clarified very clearly so we have left that to the coroner."
A critical incident investigation is underway into the incident.
Newcastle City Council's interim CEO Jeremy Bath also addressed the media today giving his sympathies to all of those involved and said everyone responded in the best way they could to save the young man's life.
"All we can do is express sour sympathies not only to the man's family but to his carer that was with him at the time and ensure that the staff are cared for and given the appropriate counselling and support."
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| Crime scene at Lambton pool last night. Image 9News |
"He's doing ok and is actually at the pool today. He wanted to come back to work today which is a testament to his character and leadership. Certainly, my understanding is that he actually feared for his life yesterday as the incident unfolded with the young man who passed away as he ultimately become more aggressive," said CEO Jeremy Bath.
Assistant Commissioner Mitchell is making the welfare of everyone involved, not just his police, but members of staff and the public, a top priority.
"Certainly, from a policing aspect, we wrap a lot of welfare around our officers. I guess with a critical investigation team as they speak to witnesses it is generally our protocol to ensure we suggest to individuals that if they were feeling some form of anxiety from this situation to seek counselling."
Investigations are continuing.
EARLIER:
BY IAN CROUCH
More details have come to light about the death of a teenager following an incident at Lambton Pool.
Police were called to the Durham Road swim centre just after 5.00pm Tuesday to reports a teenager had assaulted a member of staff.
It's now been revealed the 17-year-old was visiting the pool with his carer when he began causing harm to himself and surrounding property.
Newcastle Council has released a statement saying the boy's carer and passers-by restrained him to try to stop him doing further harm to himself, but he suffered a medical episode and went into cardiac arrest.
Paramedics tried to resuscitate the boy but he couldn't be revived.
Police have commenced a critical incident investigation.
Newcastle City Council owns the pool and a council spokesman says they are providing assistance to the pool operator, Lane 4 Aquatics and the staff involved.
