THE family of a much-loved dad-of-three who died following an altercation at a holiday park have suffered a fresh blow after their appeal to see police officers prosecuted was rejected.

Paul Gladwell, also known as Paul Reynolds, died in hospital following his arrest at Pontins Holiday Park, in Lowestoft, in February 2017.

Officers were called to the site just before midnight on February 14 following reports of a fight.

After they arrested Mr Reynolds, 38, he became unwell and an ambulance was called.

Mr Reynolds, of Magdalen Green, Colchester, was treated at the scene before being transported to hospital, where he died.

It had been alleged Mr Gladwell – who suffered from Asperger’s Syndrome – had been pinned down, could not breathe and was put into a riot van while unconscious.

Following an investigation carried out by the Independent Office for Police Conduct, a referral was made to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider manslaughter charges against two serving Suffolk Police officers and one former officer.

Suffolk Police also passed a file to the CPS regarding the actions of a number of other individuals working as security staff at the site but it was decided there was insufficient evidence to proceed.

Under the CPS’s Victims’ Right to Review scheme, the family appealed this decision.

But this week, after a review carried out by a senior prosecutor with no previous involvement in the case, the original decision was upheld.

A CPS spokesman said: “A senior prosecutor has reviewed, at the family’s request, our decision not to prosecute anyone in relation to the death of Paul Reynolds.

“However, this agreed with the original decision that the evidence did not meet our legal test to prosecute for homicide, misconduct in public office or assault.

“We understand that is not the outcome the family would have hoped for and we will be will be writing to them shortly explaining our decision in detail.

“Our thoughts remain with Paul Reynolds’s family.”

An inquest into Mr Gladwell’s death is expected to be heard from April 19 before a jury.

It is set to hear evidence from Mr Gladwell’s family.

A Suffolk Police spokesman said: "Detectives from Suffolk Police conducted an investigation into the events at Pontins on the night of February 14, 2017, directly involving the security staff.

“As a result, a file was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider charges involving members of the security staff.

“The Independent Office for Police Conduct carried-out a parallel investigation into the actions of the police officers who attended the site on February 14 and also passed a file to the CPS.

“After reviewing the evidence, the CPS decided that no charges would be brought against any persons in connection with the death of Paul Reynolds.

“Following this decision, the family of Mr Reynolds enacted a Victim’s Right to Review.

"The outcome of the VRR is that it has upheld the original decision made by the CPS and that no charges will be brought against any persons.

“A police file has now be passed to the Coroner for upcoming inquest proceedings.”