Coroner to investigate after builder dies from injuries sustained during arrest

A builder has died in hospital from catastrophic injuries he sustained during an arrest by two police officers outside a Hoppers Crossing convenience store last week.

The tragic death will be the subject of a coronial inquiry, while the circumstances surrounding the arrest on July 15 are still being investigated by the homicide squad and Professional Standards Command.

Luke Briggs, pictured with sister Catherine, died from injuries sustained during a police arrest on July 15.

Luke Briggs, 35, died on Tuesday afternoon after being taken off life support.

The two officers had been fitted with body-worn cameras, but Victoria Police has not released the footage or revealed what happened during the arrest.

His distraught family released a statement to The Age on Wednesday.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the tragic passing of our beloved Luke. He passed away in the ICU ward at Royal Melbourne on Tuesday evening, wearing his favourite Bunnings jumper, beer by his side, surrounded by his whole family,” the statement read.

Briggs suffered a catastrophic brain injury.

“We couldn’t be more heartbroken with the tragic events that we’ve endured over the past nine days and we hope the ongoing investigation provides the answers we’re looking for.”

On Wednesday, Victoria Police said: “Tragically, a man has died after being arrested in Hoppers Crossing earlier this month. He was arrested by police in the car park of a convenience store at the corner of Heaths and Tarneit roads about 2am on July 15.

“The man became unresponsive during his arrest and police subsequently performed CPR and called for further medical assistance. He was then conveyed to hospital.”

The Age reported on Monday that Briggs’ family had demanded a thorough and fair investigation of the two officers involved in the arrest that left Luke clinging to life for more than a week.

Briggs’ body was also covered in bruises.

Victoria Police suspended the officers – a male constable and a male sergeant – from the north-west metro region on Monday.

The officers were interviewed by a detective from the homicide squad on Friday afternoon, but no charges have been laid.

Robinson Gill principal solicitor Jeremy King, who is representing the Briggs family, said he was unable to comment because the death was now under investigation by the coroner.

However, King previously raised concerns about the handling of the police investigation, including why it had taken more than a week to suspend the officers involved.

Police have not released the details of the incident.

“There are a lot of unanswered questions in Luke’s case and about the investigation,” King said on Monday.

“When did the investigation start? Were the officers separated and questioned immediately? Has any of the evidence been tainted? And have police treated this case the same as any other?

“Something has gone terribly wrong here. A young man should not end up in the intensive care unit, clinging to life after an interaction with police.”

Our Breaking News Alert will notify you of significant breaking news when it happens. Get it here.