Watchdog investigating five GMP officers over Wigan custody death
Ellis Rocks, 26, died in hospital on Sunday 03 August after he was found unresponsive in custody
Five Greater Manchester Police officers are being investigated over the death of a man in custody in Wigan earlier this month.
Ellis Rocks, 26, was found unresponsive in a custody cell on Sunday 03 August and was rushed to hospital where he later died.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the circumstances leading up to his death.
In an update published on Tuesday morning (18 August), the watchdog said it had determined Mr. Rocks was detained, handcuffed and searched outside the Britannia Hotel on Thursday 31 July.
He was then transferred to custody where he remained overnight, an ambulance was called by detention officers at approximately 2.30am on Friday 1 August after he was seen to be unresponsive and lying on the floor in a cell.
Three GMP officers have been advised they are being investigated for potential breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour at the level of misconduct.
A further two GMP officers are being investigated for potential gross misconduct.
The serving of notices does not necessarily mean that disciplinary proceedings will follow.
CCTV footage from the custody suite and officers' body-worn cameras has been reviewed as part of the investigation.
The IOPC said the investigation is in its early stages, however no concerns have been identified at this time regarding any use of force by GMP officers.
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe said: “We have been in contact with Mr Rocks’s family to update them on the progress of our investigation and have been informed of the latest development. Our thoughts remain with all family and friends and anyone affected by his death.
“While we’ve notified a number of officers they are under investigation, this does not mean that disciplinary proceedings will automatically follow. At the end of our investigation, we will determine whether any individuals should face disciplinary proceedings.
“It’s important that we continue to carry out an independent and thorough investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident.
“The family have asked for privacy and to not be approached by reporters at this difficult time.
"Please may I ask for their wishes to be respected.”