IPOH: A policeman was beaten to death by a mob after being caught trying to steal bird’s nest in Sitiawan, about 80km from here.

The 35-year-old policeman, who had been suspended for his involvement in three crime cases this year, died upon reaching the Seri Manjung Hospital on Tuesday following the 4pm incident.

Perak deputy CPO Deputy Comm Datuk Hasnan Hassan said the deceased was suspended for being involved in a drug-related offence, a house break-in and one for causing grievous hurt.

“His suspension took effect on Sept 15,” he said, adding that the policeman, from Langkawi, was based in Sitiawan.

“In fact, he was to be charged this week with the break-in case.”

DCP Hasnan said the post-mortem report showed that he had multiple bodily injuries and a broken arm and leg.

“We have arrested four people, aged between 35 and 59. The case will be investigated for murder,” he said.

DCP Hasnan said the public must not take the law into their own hands.

When met at the mortuary, the deceased’s younger brother, who declined to be named, said he was working in Kuala Lumpur when he heard the bad news at 7pm.

“I couldn’t believe it. I was shocked. I rushed to pick up my mum in Negri Sembilan. We reached Ipoh at 2am,” he said.

The deceased, who was the second child in the family, also has an elder sister and a younger sister.

He leaves behind a 31-year-old wife, two daughters and a son.

It is learnt that the body was brought back to Kampung Nyior Chabang in Langkawi.