Man dies after being taken ill at leisure centre swimming pool

The incident took place at the Cossington Street Sports Centre in Belgrave when the man, who has not been identified, was taken ill in the swimming pool. East Midlands Ambulance Service was in attendance at the scene and requested assistance from police.

An air ambulance also reportedly landed at Cossington Recreation Ground as part of the response. In a statement, Leicestershire Police confirmed that the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

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A cordon was put in place outside the sports centre while the incident was investigated. At one point some 11 police crews were spotted outside the venue.

A spokesperson for the force confirmed that the man's death is not being treated as suspicious. They told LeicestershireLive: "Shortly after 1pm today police were called to the leisure centre in Cossington Street by the East Midlands Ambulance Service.

"It was reported that a man had been taken ill in the swimming pool. Officers attended but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

"His death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner as enquiries continue."

Police remain at the scene, while cordons also remain in place. The force spokesperson added that identification of the man will be dealt with by the coroner.

Leicester City Council, which owns and operates the centre, said it will be carrying out an investigation while the incident has also been reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to separately inquire. The sports centre will remain closed until Saturday morning.

A city council spokesperson: "We can confirm that leisure centre staff had to respond to an emergency incident at Cossington Street Sports Centre swimming pool early on Thursday afternoon. Emergency services were also called and responded to the incident.

"Despite the efforts of staff and the emergency services, sadly one person was confirmed as deceased. Our thoughts are with the individual's family and friends and everyone affected by this tragic incident.

"As is standard procedure will be informing the Health and Safety Executive so they can investigate the circumstances involved, as well as undertaking our own investigation. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage."

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