A 93-year-old dementia sufferer with one leg has died after he was pepper sprayed and Tasered by police officers in his care home.
Police were called to a care home in June after reports an elderly man with dementia was threatening staff with a knife.
When two officers arrived they found Donald Burgess, 93, who was confined to a wheelchair, holding the knife.
After engaging with him briefly one of the officers pepper sprayed him and then used his baton on him while the second officer tasered him.
They disarmed the elderly man, who was a resident at a care home in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, and then handcuffed him.
He was taken to hospital for treatment but three weeks after the incident, on July 13, Mr Burgess died.
Sussex Police voluntarily referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) who have launched an enquiry.
The two officers - both police constables from Sussex Police - have been told they are under criminal investigation for manslaughter and have been handed gross misconduct notices.
But the IOPC added that "these actions do not necessarily mean disciplinary proceedings or criminal charges will follow".
The IOPC said initial steps carried out in the investigation include taking witness statements and reviewing the officers' body worn video footage.
They also attended the post mortem on July 21 and await the findings of further cardio-pathology examinations, as the cause of Mr Burgess' death is not yet known.
Graham Beesley, IOPC Regional Director, said "I want to express my sympathies to the man's relatives and those who knew him. 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."
A spokesman for Sussex Police said its investigation is still ongoing.
Assistant Chief Constable Tanya Jones, of Sussex Police, said: "We want to express our sympathies to the family and friends of Mr Burgess. Our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time.
"We are providing every assistance to the IOPC to allow for a thorough investigation and for the family to receive the answers they need."
Last night neighbours at Mr Burgess's former home in Battle said they were "stunned and shocked" by his tragic death.
One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: "Oh what a tragedy. He was a lovely, sociable man. He and his wife, Ethel, lived here for years and they were a lovely couple.
"Ethel got cancer and the last time she went into a hospice I promised her I'd look after her Don. This is so upsetting. I can't believe it. How terrible."
She said Mr Burgess, a retired carpenter, had suffered from diabetes for some time and had to have his leg amputated as a result.
"After Ethel died he had his own carers," the neighbour added. "But after he had his leg amputated he only came back for one night before he had to go into a care home."
Another neighbour said: "He must have developed dementia after he went into the care home because he was always fine when he was here. We liked him. He was a friendly old guy. I think the death of his wife hit him very hard."
Another resident said the couple were childless and had to rely on carers in their later years.
"They were both lovely," said one. "I don't remember Don having any hobbies like gardening or watching sport but I know he liked to watch the TV. He was a nice, gentle old man. What has happened to him has left me stunned and shocked. It's absolutely dreadful."
Another resident said: "How dreadful. I knew him quite well to pass the time of day with. He was a lovely old man."
