Police Watchdog to investigate Portsmouth woman's death while in custody
37-year-old Claire Charlton died at the Police Investigation Centre in Portsmouth last month.
Last updated 11th Aug 2025
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the death of a Portsmouth woman in a custody suite in the city.
37-year-old Claire Charlton died at the Police Investigation Centre in Portsmouth on the 10th of July after being arrested in Watford by Hertfordshire police two days earlier.
The post mortem took place on the 11th of July and the IPOC is currently awaiting further test results.
The inquest has been adjourned until June 2026 while the police watchdog investigates the circumstances surrounding the death.
IOPC director Derrick Campbell said: “Our thoughts are with Ms Charlton’s family and friends, and all those affected by her death."
“When someone dies in police custody, it’s important that a thorough and independent investigation is carried out to examine all the circumstances. We have met with Ms Charlton’s family to explain our role and will ensure that they are kept informed as our investigation progresses.”