IOPC appeals for witnesses as man in 30s dies in custody after arrest at Holmes Mill Cinema in Clitheroe
The police watchdog is appealing for witnesses after a man in his 30s died while detained by officers.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is appealing for witnesses to assist with their investigation into the death of a man in police custody.
Lancashire Police officers were called to reports of a man refusing to leave a cinema in Clitheroe at approximately 11.28pm on July 11.
Officers detained the man, aged in his 30s, under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act a few hours later at Holmes Mill complex in Clitheroe and a decision was made to transport him in a police van to Royal Blackburn Hospital.
The man’s condition deteriorated further at the hospital and he was placed in the back of a police van while it was parked in an ambulance bay at the A&E department, with checks carried out by officers.
After he became unresponsive at 6.35am, CPR was commenced by medical staff with resuscitation efforts continuing until 7:35am when a clinical decision was made to cease CPR, and he was sadly declared deceased.
A spokesman for the IOPC said: “Through our enquiries, we understand a woman spoke to the man at the Holmes Mill Complex prior to the police arriving and that members of the public inside A&E witnessed the contact police had with the man while at the hospital. We believe these people will be able to assist with our enquiries.
“Following a mandatory referral from the force we declared an independent investigation at 10.25am on Saturday 12 July. IOPC investigators attended the post incident procedures to begin gathering evidence.”
How are the IOPC investigating?
The IOPC said the investigation was in the early stages but investigators have obtained body worn video footage from the officers involved, although further enquiries remain ongoing to identify all officers who attended and to ensure all relevant footage is secured.
Both the police van and the mental health room within the hospital where the man was initially taken to were also preserved.
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends, and all those affected by his death. We have now met with his family to explain our role and have advised them of the next steps.
“It’s important that an independent investigation is carried out to fully establish the circumstances when someone has died in police custody. If you believe you have any information of the man’s interaction with police, I urge you to get in touch.
“We will ensure that the man’s family and the force are kept informed as our investigation progresses.”
What do Lancashire Police say?
A Lancashire Police spokeswoman said: “We can confirm we have referred this matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct and that they are independently investigating.
“For that reason, it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this stage other than to say our thoughts are with the loved ones of the man who sadly died and that we will, of course, continue to cooperate fully with the IOPC.”
How do I report information?
Anyone with information can contact the IOPC by emailing the IOPC at [email protected]