Man dies after becoming unwell in Torquay police custody

Devon and Cornwall Police say a mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)

Author: Lizzie CouttsPublished 23rd Jan 2026

A 28-year-old man has died after becoming unwell while in police custody in Torquay.

The man was arrested in the early hours of the 15th January and taken to Torquay Custody Centre.

While in a custody cell, the man became unwell and received emergency medical treatment.

He was transported to Torbay District Hospital by ambulance but was later pronounced deceased.

Devon & Cornwall Police confirmed the man’s next-of-kin have been informed.

The police made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), and the Force is cooperating with the IOPC's investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

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