THE family of a mentally ill man who died after he was restrained by up to seven police officers at a Beckenham hospital have spoken out.

Following the release of a report about how police deal with people with mental illness, they said they would like to see more action and fewer words to prevent similar incidents in future.

Olaseni Lewis, who lived in South Norwood, died following the incident at the Bethlem Royal Hospital on August 31, 2010.

He had voluntarily admitted himself as a patient to the hospital, but hours later officers were called to restrain him following a disturbance.

The 23-year-old, who had recently completed a masters degree in IT and business management, was taken to Croydon University Hospital after slipping into a coma, but he never recovered, and died days later on September 3.

In the light of Mr Lewis’s case, an independent report was released last week that recommended more mental health awareness training was given to officers.

Ajibola Lewis, Mr Lewis's mother, said that while the report was a step in the right direction, it was important more action was taken to prevent similar incidents in future.

The review, led by Lord Victor Adebowale, looked at all aspects of police interaction, including call handling and custody procedures, as well as how the police worked alongside partner agencies in cases over a five-year period to 2012.

One of the report’s most serious findings was the disproportionate use of force by police, with several cases cited that questioned the level of force used.

The report also highlighted that people from black or ethnic backgrounds had died where the police had been at fault to some degree.

It also recommended more training was given to officers on how to restrain people with a mental illness.

Ms Lewis, who lives in South Norwood, said: "The report is good, but it is the implementation that is important."

Separate to the review, the Metropolitan Police denied claims they were not co-operating with the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigation into Mr Lewis’s death.

The IPCC said the Met refused to allow officers to be interviewed under caution as part of the investigation.