Police officers have been praised for their actions during a struggle in which a man died in an Oxford churchyard.

A jury at an inquest into the death of Paul Lewis, 42, who died in SS Mary and John churchyard, in East Oxford, on March 14, recorded a 'narrative' verdict yesterday. A narrative verdict is one which summarises the circumstances of someone's death.

The jury summed up how Mr Lewis, from New Malden, Surrey, had punched Pc Sandra Timms several times, before she and Pc Rupert Jones brought him to the ground and restrained his arms behind his back.

He then stopped breathing and turned purple, and the officers unsuccessfully tried to resuscitate him.

The verdict said: "He then showed signs of respiratory and/or circulatory failure and, despite prolonged efforts at resuscitation, was not revived.

"While not the immediate cause of death, his physical activity and the restraint in the prone position are likely to be precipitating factors."

The verdict said Mr Lewis's irregular use of the drug Olanzapine for his schizophrenia, his cardiac status and obesity were also significant factors.

Coroner Nicholas Gardiner extended his sympathies to Mr Lewis's parents and to Pcs Jones and Timms.

A Police Complaints Commission report into the death said: "It is apparent that Mr Lewis was acutely unwell during his stay in Oxford.

"In the circumstances of his demeanour it was reasonable for the police officers who passed him to stop and speak to him; indeed, they could have been criticised if they had not stopped to check on his welfare.

"Tragically, he responded violently to their inquiries. The officers then, reasonably, attempted to restrain him.

"Despite being assaulted, the officers were controlled and professional in the manner in which they did so. The techniques they used were appropriate in the circum- stances.

"No injuries were noted at the post-mortem which would suggest excessive force had been used. There is no evidence that any officer has committed any offence in the restraint of Mr Lewis."

Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Nick Gargan said: "Mr Lewis's death was deeply upsetting for his family, and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time."

Mr Gargan said the force also conducted its own inquiry, adding: "Both inquiries have highlighted the professional way in which the officers handled the situation, despite violence used against them. I would like to pay tribute to them for the dedication they demonstrated in checking Mr Lewis's welfare and their relentless efforts to revive him."