IPCC to investigate death of woman in Surrey Police custody

3 Jun 2015 02:33 PM

The IPCC is investigating the actions of Surrey Police after a woman who was being held in custody was found dead in a police cell in Guildford Police Station on Monday.

The 42 year old woman was detained on Saturday pending an appearance at the local magistrates’ court.

At around 7.20am on Monday she was found to be unresponsive during a check and was subsequently pronounced dead. The IPCC was notified shortly after 8.00am and an independent investigation was declared.

IPCC investigators have recovered CCTV, including that covering the police cell which has been secured for forensic analysis. Investigators have also attended a post incident meeting. The woman’s next of kin has been informed of her death.

‪IPCC Commissioner for Surrey, Jennifer Izekor said:

“The IPCC investigation is in its early stages but we will be looking at all the circumstances surrounding the detention and the actions of Surrey Police. This will include looking at whether any assessments of the woman’s condition and custody checks were thorough and appropriate.

“Our family liaison managers have met with her mother to explain our role and my condolences go out to her family and friends.”