IPCC to investigate death of man following arrest in Leicester

20 Aug 2012 11:24 AM

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has begun an investigation into the death of a man in Leicester following his detention by police under the Mental Health Act.

Officers were called shortly before 8 am on Wednesday 15 August to Devana Road in Highfields, Leicester following reports a man was acting strangely and causing a disturbance in the street.

A man was detained under section 136 of the Mental Health Act close to the junction of Glossop Street and Osmaston Road at around 8.30 am. During the detention police had used incapacitant spray and restraints. Due to concerns for his welfare he was taken by police van directly to Leicester Royal Infirmary.

The man died in hospital at around 12.30 pm on Wednesday. The exact cause of death is not known at this time. A post mortem has been carried out and the coroner has been informed.

The man was aged 26 and lived in Leicester. Efforts are being made to inform his next of kin. Leicestershire Police referred the death to the IPCC straight away and after investigators carried out a brief assessment it was decided an independent investigation will be carried out.  

IPCC Commissioner Ms Amerdeep Somal said: “In the circumstances of a man dying in hospital hours after being detained by police it is right that we carry out an independent investigation into what happened.”