Police watchdog investigating death of man in custody
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the death of a man in police custody earlier this month.
Met officers arrested the man, aged 30, in Croydon town centre on recall to prison and suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, at around 2.15pm on July 15.
A spokesman from the Met said officers took the man to Croydon Custody Centre where he was seen by a healthcare practitioner.
Later that evening custody staff noticed the man “appeared unwell”. First aid was given and an ambulance was called.
CPR was provided and the man was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 11pm.
A spokesman for the IOPC said: “After being notified by the Met, we sent investigators to the Croydon Custody Centre.”
A post-mortem was completed on Wednesday but the results have not yet been released.
IOPC director Steve Noonan said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends. We have been in contact with family members and close friends in the UK and we understand the man has immediate family overseas.
“We will also be contacting them to explain our role and will keep them updated throughout the investigation.
“Given the man has fallen unwell while in police custody and died, it’s important that an independent investigation is carried out to establish all of the circumstances surrounding this incident, including the actions and decision-making of the MPS custody staff present.”
Investigators are currently looking through CCTV from the custody centre and are getting accounts from the custody staff involved.
A spokesman for the Met said: “The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards was informed and the incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, who are independently investigating.”
(Picture: The Met)
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