An investigation has been launched following the death of a 31-year-old man in police custody in County Durham. The man suffered a medical episode in his cell at Durham Constabulary's Investigative Hub in Spennymoor and was pronounced dead on 1 April.
The force has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is now conducting an independent investigation. The IOPC will examine the circumstances of the death, including police actions and decision-making.
According to the IOPC, the man was arrested in the early hours of 1 April and taken to the custody suite. Shortly before 5am, he appeared unwell, and paramedics were called. He died at around 6.30am.
Durham Constabulary confirmed that the man's family has been informed and is being supported by specially-trained officers. The IOPC has obtained statements from five officers and staff, as well as body-worn video footage of the arrest and CCTV from the custody suite.
An IOPC spokesperson said: “Our investigation, which is independent of the police, will look at the circumstances around the man’s death, including the actions and decision-making of police. Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones.”
