Leicestershire Police under investigation after suspected kidnapper and murderer found dead in cell

Three Leicestershire Police officers and four police staff are being investigated after a man arrested on suspicion of kidnap and murder was found dead in his cell.

Sebastian Zarnoch, 30, was initially arrested on September 3 in connection with the kidnapping of missing woman Gabriela Kosilko and was detained at Keyham Lane police station.

The following day he was further arrested for the murder of Ms Kosilko, 26. He was found unresponsive in his cell shortly after 10am on September 6 and his death was pronounced there a short time later, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said.

All seven police officers and staff have now been told by the IOPC they are under criminal investigation for the possible offence of misconduct in public office.

Three are police officers who have also been served with gross misconduct notices for potential breaches of police standards for professional behaviour.

Four staff members have been advised they are to be made subject to a disciplinary investigation.

The conduct notices relate to the level of risk assessments and supervision involving Mr Zarnoch and whether the observations and cell checks carried out on him were in line with relevant policy and procedure.

The police watchdog said the serving of notices does not necessarily mean that criminal charges or disciplinary proceedings will follow.

After the IOPC were informed of Mr Zarnoch's death by Leicestershire Police, they sent investigators to the police station to begin gathering evidence including custody footage and some initial accounts from officers and staff.

They declared an independent investigation the same day.

A post-mortem examination was held on September 11 and the results of further tests are awaited.

IOPC regional director for the West Midlands Derrick Campbell said: "Whenever someone dies while in police custody it is important that all of the circumstances are independently investigated. We have been in contact with Mr Zarnoch's family to express our sympathy and explain our role.

"Following the conclusion of our investigation, we will decide whether to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision and we will determine whether any officer should face disciplinary proceedings."

Ms Kosilko was last seen at a shop in Fosse Road North, Leicester, at around 11.30pm on Thursday August 31.

Her car, a red Audi A1, was found in Ratby Lane, Leicester, at 4.20pm the next day and she was reported missing.

Her body was found in woodland near Groby Pool, outside Leicester, on September 6.