Investigation continues following the death of Joseph Coleman in Stockport, Greater Manchester

29 May 2019 12:29 PM

Our investigation following the death of a man in Greater Manchester Police (GMP) custody continues.

Joseph Coleman was arrested at a house in Cheadle, at 4.45am on 12 May, on suspicion of assault and taken to Cheadle Heath custody suite.

From the information we have so far, the 57-year-old became ill a short time later, an ambulance was called, and at 6.19am he was taken to hospital where he died.

We are looking at the contact between GMP and Mr Coleman that morning, and the actions of the arresting officers. Our investigation will also look at the actions of the officers and staff at the custody suite, including the medical care they gave to him.

So far, we have identified body worn video footage and CCTV relating to Mr Coleman’s arrest and detention. This is being analysed.

All the officers and staff involved are being treated as witnesses to our investigation at this time, and have provided detailed statements to us. We have also taken statements from non-police witnesses.

A post mortem examination proved inconclusive.

IOPC Regional Director Amanda Rowe yesterday said:

“We have met with members of Mr Coleman’s family to explain our role, and our investigation, and they will be provided with regular updates. I offer my sympathies to them and all those affected by this incident.

“Our work is well underway and we are making good progress. We have a large amount of body worn video and CCTV footage which, alongside the officers’ accounts, will provide a clear picture of what happened that morning.”