Inquest opens into death of Diss man Krystian Kilkowski after detention by Norfolk Constabulary

A man who died hours after being detained by police had asked officers “why do you want to kill me?”, an inquest heard today.

Krystian Kilkowski died at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on August 11, his 32nd birthday, the day after being detained by police under the Mental Health Act.

Jurors were shown footage live steamed to Mr Kilkowski’s Facebook page from outside his home in Cotman Close, Diss - where he repeatedly told officers that he was going to die.

“Why do you want to kill me?” he asked. “You want to kill me, I’m scared now, I need help. I care about my life.

“I’ve never had a problem with the police - it’s making me scared."

He told friends and family watching online that the officers were “waiting until my phone switches off, then they will kill me.”

An officer at the scene called for an ambulance, suspecting that the machine operator was having a drug-infused manic episode.

“From his behaviour, he appears to be on drugs,” the officer could be heard telling a dispatcher.

“I wonder if you can come and help as we are concerned for his health.

He added: “Just erratic – pacing around, doesn’t want anyone near him, saying he’s going to die.”

In footage shown from the officer's bodycam, Mr Kilkowski suddenly made a break for it down Victoria Road, with officers trailing behind in pursuit.

The inquest heard how he later died of organ failure, hypothermia and other complications.

The Assistant Coroner at Norfolk Coroners service, Johanna Thompson, outlined that the inquest seeks to determine the outcome of several key decisions on the day, including the police’s decision to detain Mr Kilowski under the Mental Health Act; their actions during his pursuit and detention; and the delay of East of England Ambulance Service in dispatching emergency responders.

The inquest is set to continue for the next four weeks.