British holidaymaker Luke Thomas Rhoden died from taking drugs, claim reports from Ibiza
British holidaymaker Luke Thomas Rhoden died from taking drugs, claim reports from Ibiza Facebook

Video footage has emerged showing British holidaymaker Luke Rhoden being pinned to the ground by police officers near the party strip in San Antonio, Ibiza, just prior to the arrival of an ambulance to take him to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Local media reports linked the 25-year-old Rhoden, a former Wigan Warriors rugby league player, to drugs.

Rhoden died after he fell from a hotel balcony and then became involved in a struggle with Spanish police, immediately prior to being taken away in an ambulance. He was later reported dead.

However, some eye-witnesses said he received a severe beating at the hands of police as they restrained him.

In the grainy footage of part of the brawl a male voice, possibly Rhoden's, can be heard shouting loudly. A passer-by appears to urge those involved in the fracas to calm down, gesturing with his hands.

At least three accounts from British tourists said Rhoden was beaten by police; one eye-witness said he has given "an absolute pasting" by Guardia Civil officers.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We can confirm the death of a British national in Ibiza on 3 September.

"We are providing consular assistance to the family at this difficult time."

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