Man dies in police custody in Croydon
A 52-year-old man arrested on a no-bail warrant was found unresponsive in his cell.
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A 52-year-old man has died while in police custody at the Windmill Road Custody Suite in Croydon. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the death occurred in the early hours of Friday, August 21. The man had been arrested on Wednesday, August 19, on a no-bail warrant for failing to appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on charges of being drunk and disorderly.
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Officers conducting routine cell checks at 00:30hrs on Friday discovered the man unresponsive. First aid was administered by officers before the London Ambulance Service was called to the scene. Paramedics took over medical assistance, but the man was pronounced dead at 01:17hrs.
During his time in custody, the man had received welfare and observation checks from a healthcare professional. As per standard procedure, the Metropolitan Police's Directorate of Professional Standards was notified, leading to a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
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The IOPC has now launched an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the man's death. Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman of the Metropolitan Police stated that the full details will be examined independently. He added that the force is providing its fullest support to the IOPC's inquiry and expressed condolences to the man's family and loved ones.
Questions this report answers
+What happened to the man in police custody in Croydon?
A 52-year-old man died while in police custody at the Windmill Road Custody Suite in Croydon. He was found unresponsive in his cell by officers during a routine check and was later pronounced dead.
+Why was the man in police custody?
The man was arrested on August 19 on a no-bail warrant issued by Croydon Magistrates’ Court. This was due to his failure to appear in court on charges of being drunk and disorderly.
+Who is investigating the death?
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is conducting an independent investigation into the full circumstances of the man's death. The Metropolitan Police has referred the case to the IOPC and is providing its full support.
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