Fatal Taser victim, 29, allegedly assaulted officer

A 29-year-old man who died after being Tasered by police had allegedly assaulted an officer, investigators said.

Sali Byberi died at an address in Clockhouse Way, Braintree, at about 13:15 GMT on Monday 21 November.

Essex Police said it referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) which had launched an investigation.

Mr Byberi's family meanwhile have paid tribute to a "loving" father-of-three and said they have "so many questions".

The IOPC said two officers were called to a disturbance in the road at about 11:30 GMT.

The watchdog said that Mr Byberi "allegedly assaulted an officer" while the police were attempting to speak to people involved in the disturbance.

Investigators said a single Taser was discharged "multiple times" at Mr Byberi when he resisted arrest on suspicion of assault.

They said he "became unwell" and officers remained with him until paramedics later pronounced him dead at the scene.

The IOPC said it took over forensic work after being notified by the force, and it "secured" the Taser for analysis.

An investigation continues.

Mr Byberi, who was the manager of a family car-wash business in Sudbury, Suffolk, had three children with 31-year-old partner Leonora Mafra.

His sister Eli Sokolaj described him as a "loving person" and said in a statement: “He was also hardworking, outgoing and generous and nothing was ever too much trouble for him.

"He would always be there when people needed help.

“We still can’t quite believe what happened and how Sali has been taken from us."

She said it was "almost impossible" to describe the "hurt and pain we feel" and added: “We’ve so many questions and all we hope, for now at least, is that we can get some answers.”

According to Home Office figures, Tasers were used 34,429 times in 2020/21, up from 32,058 times the year before.

Find BBC News: East of England on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you have a story for us, email [email protected]