Dubai tourist death inquiry call

Lee Brown, 39, allegedly suffered severe beatings after being arrested over a row at the luxury hotel where he was staying in the Gulf emirate.

He died on Tuesday amid claims that officers punched and kicked him during his six days in custody at Bur Dubai police station.

But Dubai police said Mr Brown had no bruises or marks indicating an assault when he died, according to The National newspaper in neighbouring Abu Dhabi.

An unnamed police official told the paper: “These reports in the media that he was beaten by police are a pack of lies.”

The official added that the British tourist was vomiting from the day before his death but did not complain or ask for medical help.

Mr Brown’s family in Dagenham, east London, were told about his alleged ordeal by another prisoner who found their contact details on a photocopy of his passport left in a cell. His relatives contacted the British Embassy in Dubai with their concerns about his safety.

UK officials who visited the police station were told he did not want to meet them, according to the founder of a support group for alleged victims of injustice in the United Arab Emirates.

Radha Stirling, from London-based Detained In Dubai, said: “Really, they should have been able to see him to make sure he was in a good condition, whether or not he wanted to speak to them.

“It does look like he was in a bad condition and the police didn’t want the embassy to see him. It’s quite a failure of process.”

She said other people held at Bur Dubai police station had told her it was known for its filthy cells, harsh conditions and violent attacks on prisoners.

“Apparently, once you’re arrested and go to the police station, that’s the most dangerous place to be,” she said. “They put you in the cells but they don’t monitor you. You’re at risk of violence from the police and you’re at risk of violence from the inmates. The safest place to be is jail, actually.”

Mr Brown was reportedly arrested over an argument with a chambermaid at the Burj Al Arab hotel, where he was said to be staying on a last-minute holiday.

The Burj Al Arab, which describes itself as “the world’s most luxurious hotel”, is popular with celebrities and room prices start at more than £1,000 a night.

Hotel operator Jumeirah Group said in a statement: “We are aware of this issue and understand it is being handled by the relevant authorities. We therefore have no further comment.

“For privacy reasons, it is our policy not to disclose any details or information about guests who stay in our hotels.”

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesman said: “We can confirm that Lee Brown died on April 12 while in police custody. Our thoughts are with Mr Brown’s family at this very difficult time.

“The Consul General has spoken directly to the Dubai police at the highest level a number of times to stress the importance of a full investigation.

“The police have assured us that they are investigating and we are remaining in close touch with them.

“We are also in close contact with Mr Brown’s family and will continue to provide them with consular support.”

Amnesty International highlighted previous allegations of torture and ill-treatment by police and security officials in the United Arab Emirates.

Tim Hancock, the human rights group’s UK campaigns director, said: “We are told that if a police officer is found to have broken the law, he will face justice.

“Amnesty International welcomes this assurance. But we urge the UAE authorities to ensure that the investigation is full, thorough and independent.

“The results of the investigation must be made public and the UAE authorities must ensure that anyone found responsible for torture or other unlawful action is promptly brought to justice.”