THE Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigating after a deaf man man who was taken home by police officers was found dead at his Newport house.

The police watchdog body is investigating 52-year-old Anthony Lewis's death as a potential death following police contact.

Mr Lewis was discovered by a family member at his house in Rudry Street, Maindee, on November 3.

As it is believed that two police officers who assisted Mr Lewis into his home may have been the last people to see him alive, Gwent Police referred the matter to the IPCC on November 4.

The IPCC is now carrying out an independent investigation.

According to public accounts, Mr Lewis was last seen on October 20 between 11.30am and 1pm in Wharf Road with two police officers who had come to his assistance after he was having difficulty getting home, and was being aided by a council worker.

The police officers had helped Mr Lewis, who is described as being deaf, back to his house.

It is also understood that Mr Lewis had speech difficulties and therefore relied on lip-reading and sign language to communicate.

The IPCC is now asking anyone who recalls seeing Mr Lewis with the two police officers in Wharf Road or Rudry Street or anyone who had contact or has some information about Mr Lewis on October 19 or 20 to come forward.

The IPCC would particularly like to speak to the council employee who it is believed also assisted Mr Lewis in Wharf Road before the police officers arrived.

IPCC Commissioner for Wales, Tom Davies said: “Mr Lewis was found sometime after his death and this must have been very distressing to his family and friends. I would like to offer them my condolences at this difficult time.

“I would urge anybody who knows anything, no matter how small or seemingly trivial to come forward and contact the IPCC.”

A postmortem examination has been carried out but did not establish a cause of death.

Anyone with any information should contact the IPCC ON 0800 096 9076 or e-mail anthonylewis@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk.