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Inquest Rules Police Officer's Bristol Harbour Death Accidental as Family Presses for Safety Changes

The coroner declined new safety orders, finding current harbour measures sufficient.

Overview

  • Avon Coroner’s Court on Tuesday recorded an accidental drowning for PC Rehaan Akhtar, 28.
  • Evidence cited at the hearing included a 260mg/100ml blood alcohol level and CCTV of a fall by the Arnolfini, with police finding no third-party involvement.
  • Akhtar had been on a night out with friends and was reported missing before divers recovered his body the next morning.
  • His sisters said they will keep pushing for railings and other physical barriers along busy waterside areas to prevent future deaths.
  • The harbour master said blanket fencing is not practical for a working waterfront and pointed to inspections, warning signs, rescue equipment, grab chains, ladders and a rerouted cycle path, noting the city records about one accidental drowning a year, with 13 between 2014 and 2022.