IOPC investigates Thames Valley Police custody death
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into death of a 49-year-old man in police custody in Abingdon, Oxford.
The man was arrested by Thames Valley Police officers shortly before 5.30pm on Friday, June 25 and taken to custody at Abingdon police station.
At around 1.10am the following day, the man was found unresponsive in his cell and paramedics were called. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
IOPC Regional Director Graham Beesley said: “We have made contact with the man’s next of kin to explain our role and my thoughts remain with them and all those affected by his death.
“As this man has sadly died in police custody it is important we fulfil our role to carry out an independent investigation into all the circumstances. We will examine all of the actions and decisions of officers and staff involved in his detention including viewing custody records and CCTV as well as the welfare checks that were made on him during that period.”
An inquest is scheduled to open on Wednesday July 7.
