Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC - formerly IPCC)
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IPCC investigation ongoing into South Yorkshire Police death in custody

The Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigating all the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention of a man who died while in South Yorkshire Police custody.

Neil Budziszewski, 42, of no fixed address, died in Ecclesfield Police Station in Sheffield on 3 May 2013. Mr Budziszewski had been arrested the previous day on suspicion of theft and was detained overnight pending his appearance at Sheffield Magistrates Court.

However at around 9.20am on 3 May Mr Budziszewski was found collapsed in his cell. Paramedics attended but he was pronounced dead shortly after 10am.

The IPCC responded to a referral by South Yorkshire Police by deploying investigators and beginning an independent investigation.

The investigation will examine all the circumstances surrounding Mr Budziszewski's arrest and detention, with a particular focus on what welfare and medical assistance was provided to him during his detention.

CCTV footage from the custody suite has been seized by investigators and is being analysed

An inquest was opened and adjourned at Sheffield Coroner's Court on 8 May. A cause of death has not yet been established and the results of toxicology tests are awaited.

IPCC Commissioner Cindy Butts said: "Our investigators have met with Mr Budziszewski's partner and next of kin and my sympathies go out to them at this difficult time. Mr Budziszewski died while being detained by the police and it is important that an independent investigation is conducted to establish the facts. Our focus will be on his time in custody and how his welfare and medical needs were addressed, and whether policies and procedures were followed.”


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