Investigation begins into death of man in police custody
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the death of a 50-year-old man in police custody in Middlesbrough.
The man was detained after being approached by Cleveland Police officers on Whitby Street in Hartlepool on Tuesday (June 20) and was taken to a custody suite in Middlesbrough, shortly before 10am.
After arriving at the custody suite, the man became unwell and an ambulance was called at 12.35pm. Despite the efforts of staff and paramedics, the man died just after 1pm, said the IOPC.
It added: “Following a mandatory referral from the force we declared an independent investigation at 2.30pm. We sent investigators to the custody suite to begin reviewing evidence by obtaining CCTV footage and initial accounts from the officers and staff involved.”
IOPC Regional Director Emily Barry said: “This was a tragic incident in which a man has sadly died and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
“Cleveland Police referred this matter to us, and as he was in the custody of police at the time he became unwell, it is important there is a thorough and independent investigation. We will examine all relevant matters including the interaction officers had with the man when he was detained, and what happened once he arrived at the custody suite.
“We have made contact with his family to explain our role and will keep them up to date as our enquiries progress.”