IPCC investigating death of man in police custody in Leeds
14 May 2014 05:50 PM
The
Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigating the death of a
46-year-old man in police custody in Leeds on Monday, 12 May.
At
around 9.30 pm on Sunday 11 May, the man was arrested by West Yorkshire Police
officers at Leeds General Infirmary on an outstanding warrant for theft
offences. He was taken to Elland Road police station, and placed in a cell in
the custody suite. He was found to be unresponsive when checked
in his cell at 7 am on Monday 12 May, and despite attempts to resuscitate him,
the man was confirmed dead around 45 minutes later.
The
IPCC received a referral from West Yorkshire Police on
Monday morning, and immediately declared
an independent investigation. Investigators were deployed to
the scene, and are continuing to carry out a number of
inquiries.
The
result of a post mortem examination was inconclusive and further tests are
being carried out. HM Coroner has been informed. IPCC
investigators are gathering initial accounts from officers and recovering CCTV
footage from the custody suite.
IPCC Commissioner Cindy Butts said: "Any death in
custody is a very serious matter, and we have begun
an independent investigation to determine the full
circumstances.
"We will be carrying out a
thorough investigation into the man’s contact with
police after he was arrested, and the treatment he received while in
custody.
"We are in the process of making contact with the
man’s relatives, and my thoughts are with the family at this difficult
time.”
According to initial information, the man was taken to
hospital by ambulance after a report from a member of the public. After
treatment he discharged himself from Leeds General Infirmary. West
Yorkshire Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his movements
prior to him being found and taken to hospital.