A POLICE officer has denied losing his temper while dealing with a man who later died in custody.

PC Richard Haining was one of two officers who detained Anthony Storrie at his flat in Paisley in June 2013, the fatal accident inquiry into Mr Storrie’s death heard.

Mr Storrie, 25, had spent the night before his arrest drinking and taking a hallucinogenic drug similar to LSD, which was legal at the time but has since been banned. PC Haining and PC Douglas McGlynn were called after Mr Storrie’s flatmate Andrew Mclaughlin phoned the police as he was concerned about his friend’s wellbeing. Mr Storrie was taken to hospital the following day and died.

Mr Mclaughlin told the inquiry at Paisley Sheriff Court that another of Mr Storrie’s friends had claimed one of the officers swore at him.

PC Haining said the words used had not been said by either officer. He was questioned about whether the officers had acted in the best interests of the prisoner. The officer replied that they had.

His colleague, PC McGlynn, said he entered Storrie’s bedroom and had to dodge an attack from Mr Storrie who was “thrashing his arms around.” He told the man that he was there to help him, but Mr Storrie then tried to punch him.

He said Mr Storrie was arrested for alleged police assault and “fast straps” were applied on him as he was handcuffed from behind on a bed. The inquiry continues.