Man's custody death prompts watchdog investigation

A man has died after being held in custody in Leeds, prompting an investigation by the police watchdog.

The 43-year-old man was found unresponsive in his cell at Elland Road Custody Suite on 24 September, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said.

The IOPC said the man was given CPR after the "apparent medical episode" and he was taken to hospital, where he died the following day.

He was arrested on 23 September, the watchdog said, with no health concerns raised by a medical care practitioner after an assessment.

The IOPC inquiry was launched after a mandatory referral from West Yorkshire Police, with force officers and staff currently being treated as witnesses.

Emily Barry, IOPC regional director, said: "Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends, and all those affected by his death.

"We have been in contact with the family to explain our role and advise them of the next steps."

CCTV footage from the custody suite and custody logs were being examined, the watchdog said.

"When someone has died after being taken into police custody, it is important that all the circumstances are independently and impartially examined,” she added.

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