POLICE bosses have admitted their "negligent" officers failed to call an ambulance for a mentally ill man who later took his own life.

In 2009, Christopher Peden dialled 999 and asked to be taken into care for his own safety.

Police officers arrived but did not phone an ambulance for the 26-year-old, who then ran into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

After four years and an independent investigation, police chiefs yesterday apologised to the Peden family.

The two officers now face disciplinary action but Mr Peden's father Edward has called for them to be sacked.

Mr Peden Sr, 67, said: "They shouldn't be allowed to stay in their jobs.

"I'd have them done for manslaughter.

"Not calling an ambulance was the catalyst for Christopher's death. If they had phoned for an ambulance he would have been taken to hospital and he would have been nowhere near that road. It's their negligence that has cost him his life."

The incident occurred in January 2009 outside a property in Wester Hailes, Edinburgh.

Mr Peden, who had a history of mental health problems and drug abuse, phoned emergency services and pled for help.

He was met by Lothian and Borders Police officers who phoned the Scottish Ambulance Service but did not request an ambulance after hearing he could only be taken to A&E.

They are then understood to have left the scene. Mr Peden then ran into the path of an oncoming vehicle and died of his injuries the following day.

An independent report upheld complaints about investigations into the case.

Iain Whyte, convener of Lothian and Borders Police Board and chair of the Scottish Police Authority Conveners' Forum, said: "Obviously it is appropriate that the police apologise for the failings in this case and do what they can to make sure these kind of things don't happen in the future."

Lothian and Borders Police – now part of Police Scotland – has written a letter of apology to the Peden family.

Superintendent John McKenzie wrote: "The officers in attendance were in neglect of their duty by failing to ask for an ambulance to attend, as requested by your son, thereby depriving him of an appropriate medical response."