Death of man in police custody in Leeds being investigated by the IPOC
The police watchdog is investigating the death of a man in a police custody suite in Leeds
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the circumstances of the death of a man, after he was arrested and became unconscious while in police custody in Leeds.
A 43-year-old man died in hospital on Wednesday 25 September.
He was found unresponsive in custody, after an apparent medical episode the day before.
It's understood when he arrived at the station at the start of the week, there were no medical concerns raised, after being checked over.
The IPOC said their investigation began following a mandatory referral from West Yorkshire Police.
They said he said arrived at Elland Road Custody Suite on Monday 23 September at 5:30pm.
At around 1pm on Tuesday, custody staff found him unresponsive in his cell.
CPR was given and an ambulance was requested. He was taken to hospital where he was treated but died the following day.
IOPC Regional Director Emily Barry said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends, and all those affected by his death. We have been in contact with the family to explain our role and advise them of the next steps.
“When someone has died after being taken into police custody, it is important that all the circumstances are independently and impartially examined.”
IOPC investigators have secured CCTV footage from the custody suite. We are also starting to review custody logs and obtain statements from the relevant custody staff involved. All West Yorkshire officers and staff are currently being treated as witnesses.