Investigation launched following death in custody

An investigation is under way following the death of a man in police custody.

At 00:30hrs on Friday, 21 August, officers carrying out cell checks at Windmill Road custody suite in Croydon found a 52-year-old man unresponsive after he became unwell.

Upon finding the man unresponsive, officers entered the cell, began first aid and called the London Ambulance Service (LAS).

The LAS attended to take over medical assistance, but the man was sadly pronounced dead at 01:17hrs.

The man was in custody having been arrested at 13:05hrs on Wednesday, 19 August in Croydon on a no-bail warrant issued by Croydon Magistrates' Court following a failure to appear on charges of being drunk and disorderly.

He was seen by a healthcare professional and received welfare and observation checks in custody.

As is normal protocol, the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) was informed and a mandatory referral made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The IOPC are now independently investigating.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman, said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones following his tragic death.

“The full circumstances of this death in custody will now be independently examined and we are providing our fullest support to that IOPC investigation.”