IOPC investigation after woman dies in police custody
It happened at a custody suite in Oldbury.
An investigation has been launched after a woman died in custody in the West Midlands, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has said.
The woman, 28, was arrested by West Midlands Police officers in the early hours of July 28 and taken to the Oldbury custody suite where she was detained.
Shortly before midnight that day concerns were raised about a deterioration in her health and an ambulance was called after she became unresponsive in her cell, the IOPC said.
First aid was provided by paramedics but she was pronounced dead.
Following a mandatory referral by West Midlands Police on July 28, the IOPC began an investigation looking at the circumstances of the woman's contact with police, including the decisions and actions of officers in relation to her arrest and her detention and care in custody.
The coroner has been notified and a post-mortem examination was carried out on August 11, but the cause of her death has yet to be determined and the IOPC says it is awaiting the results of further tests.
IOPC regional director for the West Midlands, Derrick Campbell, said: "Our thoughts are with the woman's family and friends, and all those affected by her death.
"We have met with her family to explain our role and will keep them updated throughout the investigation.
"Whenever a person dies while in police custody, it's important that an independent investigation is carried out to fully establish the circumstances, including the actions and decision-making of relevant police officers and police staff, and whether that was in accordance with policy.
"As part of our initial inquiries, our investigators are securing CCTV from the Oldbury custody unit, which will be reviewed along with officers' body-worn video."