A second post-mortem examination has sensationally revealed that the newspaper seller hit by a policeman at the recent G20 protests died from internal bleeding, and not a heart attack as previously thought.

Ian Tomlinson died minutes after the incident involving a Territorial Support Group officer from the Metropolitan Police, which was captured on video.

In light of today's development, the officer has now been questioned under caution for manslaughter, the Independent Police Complaints Commission said today.

The first post mortem was carried out within two days of the incident, at the beginning of this month, and the cause of death was originally established as a heart attack.

However, a second examination was ordered after footage of the incident emerged on the internet. This was conducted by Dr Nat Carey, one of Britain's most eminent forensic pathologists, last week, on behalf of both Mr Tomlinson’s family and the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

In a preliminary report, Dr Carey reported that the cause of death was abdominal haemorrhage. The cause of the haemorrhage remains to be ascertained.

A statement from the City of London Coroners' Court said that Dr Carey accepts that there is evidence of heart disease but states that in his opinion “its nature and extent is unlikely to have contributed to the cause of death”.

Jules Carey of Tuckers, the family's solicitor stated that "the video footage of the unprovoked and vicious assault on Ian by the police officer would easily justify charges of assault being brought against the officer".

“The findings of Dr Nat Carey significantly increase the likelihood that the officer will now face the more serious charge of manslaughter.

"The family have been aware of the findings of the second pathology report for a week and have had to endure the holding back of this information despite continuing reports in the press that Ian died of a heart attack.

“The IPCC opposed the disclosure of Dr Carey's findings until they satisfied themselves that it would not prejudice their investigation of the officer. It is of some comfort to the family that the record is now being put straight, but they hope that the IPCC investigation will be expedited and thorough, and that there will be a prompt referral to the CPS for charge."

Metropolitan Police released a new statement this afternoon, reiterating its 'sincere regret' in relation to the death of Ian Tomlinson.

Paul King on behalf of the family said: "First we were told that there had been no contact with the police, then we were told that he died of a heart attack; now we know that he was violently assaulted by a police officer and died from internal bleeding. As time goes on we hope that the full truth about how Ian died will be made known".

The statement from the Coroners Court said that the opinions of both consultant pathologists were provisional. “Both agree that their final opinions must await the outcome of further investigations and tests. These are likely to take some time. The IPCC's investigation into the death of Ian Tomlinson is ongoing."

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “People in London and across the country have been deeply disturbed by the death of Ian Tomlinson.

“There must now be a fast and transparent conclusion to the IPCC investigation, with the full and urgent co-operation of all involved.

“The Metropolitan Police receive and deserve the overwhelming support of the people of London, but the family of Ian Tomlinson need answers and so do Londoners”.

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