Police watchdog begins investigation after man dies while in police custody
The Independent Office for Police Conduct have begun examining the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.
The police watchdog has launched an investigation after a 52-year-old man died while in police custody, the Metropolitan Police has said.
Listen to this article
The man was arrested in Croydon on Wednesday afternoon after failing to attend Croydon Magistrates’ Court to face charges of being drunk and disorderly.
Police said the court had issued a warrant for his arrest with no bail.
He was taken to Windmill Road custody suite, where he later became unwell.
Officers carrying out cell checks found him unresponsive at around 12.30am on Friday and immediately began administering first aid.
Read more: Man who threatened to kill Met Police chief and ‘blast heads’ off judges appears in court
Read more: Met Police increased use of stop and search by a fifth over last year
The London Ambulance Service was called, but despite efforts from paramedics, the man was pronounced dead at 1.17am.
The Met said the man had previously been assessed by a healthcare professional and had also received welfare and observation checks while in custody.
The force’s Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) subsequently made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
The IOPC has now opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones following his tragic death.”
“The full circumstances of this death in custody will now be independently examined and we are providing our fullest support to that IOPC investigation.”