A POLICE force is being investigated over its response to concerns for the welfare of a brain aneurysm survivor who was rescued from a park lake, seven hours before being found dead there.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is appealing for witnesses over the death of Gavin Egan, of Kirkbymoorside, whose body was found in the lake, near the bandstand, at Peasholm Park, Scarborough, at 11.30am on February 24.

A spokesman for the police watchdog said North Yorkshire Police had been informed by Yorkshire Ambulance Service at around 4am that day about a call from a member of the public reporting that a man had been rescued from the lake.

He added: "It would appear the man who had reportedly been pulled from the lake was not subsequently located during the response by the ambulance service and police until later that day."

Associate Commissioner Tom Milsom said: “My sympathies go out to Mr Egan’s family and friends. Our investigation will examine how North Yorkshire Police responded to the report by the ambulance service to determine whether the appropriate action was taken."

IPCC investigators are appealing for anyone who may have seen or heard anyone in the lake, or witnessed the subsequent police search, between 4am and 11.30am to call 0800-151-0020 or email peasholmpark@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “North Yorkshire Police referred this incident to the IPCC and it would be inappropriate to comment further while the IPCC investigation is ongoing.”

The inquiry follows mounting concerns expressed by Mr Egan's family, who say they remain in the dark over how he died.

His mother, Lesley Shields, said she would not properly grieve until what led to her son's death had been revealed:

She said: "I will stay strong for my boy and I will not rest till I get to the bottom of what happened on that night.

"Hopefully the investigations will uncover what really happened."

Following his death, hundreds of people joined a Facebook tribute page set up in memory of Mr Egan, who spent time in hospital following a brain aneurysm in 2014.

His sister, Mel, said: "He had such an infectious laugh and was always coming out with such funny stuff.

"Despite all your problems you had a heart of gold and were such a caring person."