Investigation launched following death of man found unresponsive in custody

An investigation is under way following the death of a man who was found unresponsive in police custody.

At 04:27hrs on Friday, 2 October officers carrying out cell checks at Charing Cross custody suite in Westminster found a 42-year-old man unresponsive after he became unwell.

Officers entered the cell, began first aid and called the London Ambulance Service (LAS). The LAS attended to take over medical assistance, and the man was taken to hospital where he sadly died on Sunday, 11 October.

The man was in custody having been arrested at 14:23hrs on Thursday, 1 October for recall to prison. As is normal protocol, a risk assessment to identify any medical or other issues was carried out after he arrived in custody.

The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) was informed and a mandatory referral made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after the man was found unresponsive.

Both have now been made aware of the man’s death, and the IOPC is independently investigating.

Commander Lou Sargent said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the man’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“As is standard procedure, the full circumstances surrounding his death will now be independently examined, and we will provide our fullest support to the IOPC investigation.”