THE inquest to determine how a father-of-three died after being restrained by police will not take place until next year – 16 months after his death.

Ricky Penfold of Woodford Green, died aged 45 after being restrained by police on October 23 last year, in Hale End Road, Highams Park.

A post mortem examination was inconclusive.

An inquest was due to be held last Thursday, October 1, at Walthamstow Coroner's Court to determine the cause of death, but was delayed because a key witness was unavailable.

The circumstances surrounding the death will now not be revealed until February next year because that is when a jury will be next available.

The delay also means that findings from an investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) will be kept secret to avoid influencing jury members.

Mr Penfold's 18-year-old daughter, Paige Penfold, said the family does not begrudge the delay because they want to ensure the inquest is thorough.

She said: “It is taking a long time, but they are getting everything together so we are just waiting until it happens.

"It is not a problem because we have so waited so long so a few more months won't make much difference.”