An investigation has been launched into the response by police to reports of a burglary and assault at the home of an RAF war hero who later died.

Christopher Fields, 37, was found with serious injuries at his flat in Edgeley, Stockport, on December 12 last year.

Mr Fields, who is understood to have served in several war zones including Afghanistan, was rushed to hospital for treatment but he lost his fight for life days later on December 21.

It’s now emerged that police were called to Mr Fields’ home twice on the day he was found.

As a result, police watchdogs the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is now independently investigating GMP’s response and what actions were taken.

An IPCC spokesman said GMP officers initially went to Mr Fields’ flat on Old Chapel Street, Edgeley, at 5.20pm following a report of an ‘aggravated burglary’ and assault. The force said at the time that officers found he had suffered minor facial injuries and a window had also been damaged.

The IPPC said a second 999 call was made a short time later and police again visited the flat. Mr Fields was then taken by ambulance to hospital, where he later died nine days later.

The investigation, which will focus on the initial 999 call, will be overseen by IPCC commissioner James Dipple-Johnstone.

He said: “I would like to offer my condolences to the family and friends of Mr Fields. Our investigation will examine how GMP officers and staff responded to the first call made on 12 December.”

IPCC officials have contacted Mr Fields’ family to explain the investigation and outline the next steps. The watchdog is not investigating the death of Mr Fields, which is the subject of a separate GMP investigation.

At the time of his death, Mr Fields’ grieving family paid an emotional tribute saying his death has left them heartbroken.

They said: “Chris was the best son, brother and family member anyone could ask for. Our hearts have been broken on this day as he has been tragically taken from us.

“Words cannot express our pain. All that we can say at this time is that we miss him dearly and that he will forever be in our hearts.”

One of his former colleagues in the Royal Air Force also hailed ‘Fieldsy’ as an ‘outstanding serviceman’ who had survived a number of war zones.