Police watchdog statement after social media 'mistreatment claims' following man's death in custody
By Google News Investigations ·
A police watchdog has issued a statement saying there is "no evidence" to suggest a man who died in police custody was "being ignored" after a video was shared on social media. An investigation is ongoing into the death of a 31-year-old man at Middlesbrough Police Station on Thursday, November 5.
Emergency services were called shortly before 6am after the detainee was found unresponsive by staff, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed last week. Despite efforts for paramedics, the 31-year-old was sadly pronounced dead at 7.01am .
Following a mandatory referral from the force, the IOPC has said investigators attended the custody suite to begin reviewing evidence by obtaining CCTV footage and initial accounts from the officers and staff involved. Initial enquiries indicate the man was checked into custody after being arrested by Cleveland Police just before 10pm on Wednesday, November 4, and was put on regular checks by custody detention staff.
The IOPC has since said it has been made aware of a video circulating on social media which includes claims about mistreatment and help requested by the man being ignored. At this early stage, they say, there is "no evidence to suggest this is accurate".
IOPC Director of Engagement Emily Barry said on Friday, November 6: “This was a tragic incident in which a man has sadly died and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. “ Cleveland Police referred this matter to us, and as he was in the custody of police when he died, it is important there is a thorough and independent investigation.
We will examine all relevant matters including the interaction staff and officers had with the man when he was detained and what happened while at the custody suite. “We are aware of a video circulating on social media which includes claims about mistreatment and help requested by the man being ignored. At this early stage, we have no evidence to suggest this is accurate.
We urge people to not engage in speculation and spread disinformation while we continue to investigate and verify the facts. "It’s important to remember how distressing it can be for family members at this difficult time.
We will of course seek to obtain evidence from anyone who was present and who believes they may hold relevant information.” The IOPC investigation has been ongoing since Thursday morning and the man's family has been informed. A spokesperson has confirmed there is no further update on Monday, November 9.
A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: "Sadly, we can confirm that a detainee has died while in custody at Middlesbrough Police Station. The circumstances surrounding this death are currently being established, and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time. The family of the deceased have been informed.
"As is standard practice, we have referred this incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is conducting an independent investigation." Did you know you can make Teesside Live a preferred source of Teesside news in Google, which will mean you get more of our breaking news, exclusives, and must-read stories straight away?
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Originally published by Google News Investigations
