Danny Lim asked police to call ambulance and told them of his PTSD before arrest, witness says

The allegation is consistent with the version of events Lim outlined to Guardian Australia from hospital, where on Wednesday night he remained, being treated for bleeding on the brain and neck injuries.

Businessman Mike Ashley was walking through the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) shopping centre when he noticed the heated confrontation between the 78-year-old and two officers, who had been called by building security.

Ashley said Lim was begging the officers to call an ambulance, minutes before he was thrown to the ground and handcuffed.

When Ashley tried to intervene and asked Lim if he should call an ambulance, the officers threatened to charge him, he said.

A photo Ashley provided to Guardian Australia showed the officers standing in front of Lim beside his smiling emoji sign.

A police spokesperson said officers had been called to the QVB about 11am on Tuesday after receiving reports that Lim was refusing to leave the building.

Police initially said they would be reviewing body-worn camera footage of the encounter and announced an independent investigation.

The deputy premier and police minister, Paul Toole, said he would await the outcome of the review, which he described as independent. Guardian Australia has sought clarification as to whether he was referring to the original review, the internal investigation or another review.

The national criminal justice spokesperson for the Australian Lawyers Alliance, Greg Barns SC, said the incident was not isolated.

The New South Wales Greens police spokesperson, Sue Higginson, has called for an independent investigation.

Police have declined to comment further.