The family of Ricky Swindells have been left "devastated" after he died following being handcuffed by police in Salford, their solicitor has said, as the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) continues its investigation.
The 28-year-old was restrained by officers last Friday (July 24) after they attended a property on Duchy Road, Salford. A report of concern for his welfare had been made, the IOPC said, and during a call at around 7.40pm his family said he was autistic and in "significant distress". Body-worn camera footage shows officers saying handcuffs were applied for his own safety.
Mr Swindells later became unresponsive, according to the watchdog. Officers began CPR at 8pm, with paramedics arriving seven minutes later, before he was taken to hospital and died the following day, Saturday July 25. A post-mortem has proved inconclusive, with further forensic investigations including toxicology tests ongoing.
Dispute over violence claim
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said Mr Swindells was "restrained by officers responding to a report by family members of a man in crisis". The force added: "The information provided to responding officers was that a man was having [a] potential mental health episode, had been violent and that the family needed assistance to restrain him."
However, a loved one who spoke to the Manchester Evening News challenged that account, insisting Mr Swindells was not violent during the incident.
Family's solicitor statement
The family's solicitor, Gareth Naylor, said: "He was a much-loved son, brother, uncle and friend, and his loss has left his family heartbroken." He said the family "support[s] both processes" - the IOPC probe and a separate coronial investigation - "and expect[s] them to be thorough, independent and transparent".
Mr Naylor released a full statement on behalf of the family, saying: "At this stage, the family does not seek to pre-judge the outcome. The medical cause of Ricky's death has not yet been established and a number of serious questions remain unanswered."
"Before police attended, emergency services had reportedly been informed that Ricky was a vulnerable, autistic man who was in significant distress. The family requested assistance as Ricky was experiencing a mental health crisis. They expected support, care and appropriate safeguarding for Ricky. However, when officers arrived, they handcuffed Ricky and restrained him on the ground until he became unresponsive, despite cries and pleas from family members."
"The family is not asking anyone to reach conclusions before the evidence has been examined. They are asking for all relevant evidence to be secured, disclosed and scrutinised, so that the truth of what happened to Ricky can be established."
"Ricky was a unique and much-loved person. The family want him to be remembered not only for the circumstances of his death, but for the life he lived and the place he held in the hearts of those who loved him."
"The family are grateful for the support and condolences they have received. They ask that their privacy is respected while the independent investigation and coronial proceedings continue. The family will not be making any further comment on the circumstances of Ricky's death at this stage."
Police account of restraint
GMP said officers arrived at 7.49pm and "were at the scene for 10 minutes where they attempted to work with the family to deescalate the situation". A force statement said: "A 28-year-old man was presenting as in crisis on the floor, and appeared to be in distress, agitated and a potential risk to himself. While detained, officers continued to try and bring calm to the incident. They became concerned for the man's breathing at 7.59pm. Officers identified he was breathing but unresponsive, through the provision of first aid. They began to commence CPR at 8pm. Officers continued with CPR for 14 minutes, during which time paramedics arrived at 8.07pm to begin to assist the officers. He was later taken to hospital by paramedics where he remained over the weekend. He sadly passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning."
IOPC investigation
Because of police contact before his death, a mandatory referral was made to the IOPC. GMP said its Professional Standards Directorate had made initial enquiries, including reviewing all available body-worn video and other footage.
The IOPC said: "From an initial review of the available body-worn video footage, we have established that relatives were on the phone to the ambulance service at the point police arrived." A statement added: "As part of our investigation, we will consider the actions and decision-making of the officers, including the necessity, proportionality and rationale for the decision to handcuff Mr Swindells." The watchdog will examine the "full circumstances" of the incident, "including the use of restraint, the police response and medical intervention once it became apparent he had become unresponsive".
IOPC director of engagement Amanda Rowe said: "Our thoughts are with Mr Swindells' family and loved ones, as well as all those affected by his death. Our investigation will be entirely independent of the police and ensure we understand events surrounding his detention. We will carefully examine the actions and decision making of officers involved - including the restraint used in this case. This was clearly an extremely distressing incident and our investigation will be thorough to help establish the facts and get answers to the family's questions. Our findings will be shared with the coroner in due course."
Police support
Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker said: "This is a really distressing time for all concerned - particularly the family of the man who has sadly passed away after this incident. We are doing what we can to establish what happened to answer any questions they will have. Our officers attended to try to help what was a complex and challenging circumstance. We are ensuring they are getting the support they need at this time. It is vital that this a proper investigation, independent of the police, is able to be carried out. We are fully assisting with the IOPC's enquiries and are committed to accountability to help ensure the facts are established."
