WIREDGOV

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating the care and treatment given to a man while in custody in Hull who had sustained serious leg injuries in an incident prior to being detained.

The 50-year-old man was arrested in a street in Hull on 13 February this year and officers noted at the time the man had leg injuries and could speak little English. He was taken to a police station at around 6.15pm where he was seen by a nurse. The man was then seen by a force medical examiner at 12.45 am on 14 February and taken to hospital where his injuries were subsequently identified as fractures to his lower legs.

Humberside Police referred the matter to the IPCC at the time and an investigation was begun by the force's professional standards branch supervised by the IPCC. In the course of the supervised investigation the IPCC has decided to carry out an independent investigation.

Notices have already been served on 11 police officers and staff to advise them their conduct is subject to investigation, and a custody officer has been suspended by Humberside Police. IPCC investigators will be interviewing those involved.

IPCC Commissioner Kathryn Stone OBE said: "This man had sustained serious leg injuries before being arrested by police and our investigation will examine why he wasn't taken to hospital sooner. We will consider the decision making and assessments made by the police officers during his time in custody, and whether appropriate consideration was given to the man's welfare. Humberside Police has acted appropriately in drawing our attention to evidence which has led to us undertaking the independent investigation."

The man was not subsequently charged with any offence.

For media enquiries please contact the IPCC press office on 0207-166-3239.