WIREDGOV

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating police actions and decision-making prior to the death of man in Cardiff on 11 October 2014.

Police entered a house in Adeline Street, Splott at around 2 pm that day following concerns expressed for the man’s welfare. No one else was inside the property and the man was found to be in possession of a knife. Armed response officers, police negotiators and medical staff attended.

Police officers were talking to the man for over two hours, but at around 4.45 pm he sustained a serious neck injury involving the knife. Three police officers discharged Taser and first aid was given to the man by paramedics at the scene. The man was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. He was pronounced dead there later on Saturday evening. The man has been identified as Arlindo Furtado, who was aged 41, and lived at the address.

As a death following police contact, South Wales Police mandatorily referred the incident to the IPCC straight away, and IPCC investigators were sent to the scene on Saturday 11 October to begin an assessment.  The IPCC has since decided to carry out an independent investigation which will examine the police interaction with Mr Furtado and what steps were taken to protect his welfare.

The IPCC has carried out house-to-house enquiries in the immediate area and statements from members of the public are being obtained.

HM Coroner has been informed and an inquest was opened and adjourned yesterday (Tuesday). The IPCC will be preparing a file for the Coroner

IPCC Commissioner for Wales, Jan Williams, said: "The IPCC has met with Mr Furtado’s family to explain our role and how the investigation will proceed. I would again wish to send them my sincere condolences at this difficult time. Our investigation will examine how police responded to this traumatic incident and what steps they took at the scene.”

Notes to Editors

Under the Police Reform Act, police forces are required to refer deaths during or following police contact to the IPCC.

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