Frail cancer patient died in handcuffs after nurses called police

A grieving family yesterday demanded to know why a frail dad died in handcuffs on a cancer ward.

Philmore Mills, 57, who was on round-the-clock oxygen and had a tumour on his lung, died as he lay face down on the floor.

He had been restrained by two hospital guards and two police officers after becoming agitated, and stopped breathing with his hands still cuffed behind his back.

Mr Mills is believed to have suffered a heart attack and was pronounced dead at Wexham Park Hospital in Slough, Berkshire.

And his family say they are still seeking answers three months later.

Eldest daughter Rachel Gumbs, 38, of Harlow, Essex, said: “We do not know why force was used against a frail gentleman who could barely stand up.

"When I saw Dad a few hours before, he was still on oxygen. Without it, he was struggling for breath.”

Mr Mills, a father of four daughters, had been rushed to hospital after collapsing at home near Slough. He was treated for pneumonia before being moved to a respiratory ward.

He was fitted with a urinary catheter and asked to see a doctor because of the discomfort in the early hours of December 27.

Philmore Mills wearing an oxygen mask in hospital just hours before he died surrounded by his family. Hours later he was dead: Philmore wearing an oxygen mask surrounded by his family