Trainer being investigated by police committed suicide, Shropshire coroner rules
A martial arts trainer being investigated by police committed suicide in a Shropshire car park, a coroner has ruled.
Matthew Kendall, aged 39, shot himself in a rural car park near Church Stretton.
Mr Kendall had been arrested on suspicion of grooming on October 8 – just three days before his death.
At an inquest today at Wellington Civic and Leisure Centre, coroner John Ellery returned a conclusion of suicide.
In October, 2016, the Independent Police Complaints Commission launched an investigation into Mr Kendall's death.
An IPCC spokesman today said: "We have concluded the investigation and made the coroner aware of our findings to help inform the inquest."
Details of the investigation have not yet been published but the spokesman said they would be in the near future.
Mr Kendall's arrest followed an incident in Bolton.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said in October: "On October 8, a 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grooming and bailed pending further inquiries.
"The man was found deceased in the West Midlands on October 11.
"A mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, which is carrying out an independent investigation."
The spokesman added: "He was staying in Horwich.
"The arrest made was in connection with an offence in Bolton."
The alleged offence also led to an investigation by West Mercia Police into the sports club where Mr Kendall, of Wednesfield, Wolverhampton, worked. The club is now closed.
