Investigation under way after death of man taken into custody in Derbyshire

We are investigating following the death of a man who was taken into police custody in Derbyshire.

Mark Pryor, who was 46 and from Derby, was detained in the city by police last Friday morning (4 September) and taken to the custody unit at St Mary’s Wharf.

He was detained overnight and found unresponsive in his cell at around 1.30pm on Saturday. An ambulance was called to take him to the Royal Derby Hospital where his death was confirmed a short time later that afternoon.

We declared an independent investigation on Saturday afternoon after a mandatory referral from Derbyshire Constabulary. Our investigators attended the scene and the police post incident procedure where officers and staff who had been present with Mr Pryor during and following his arrest provided initial accounts. Investigators have since been gathering CCTV from the custody suite and relevant police logs.

We have contacted Mr Pryor’s family to explain our role and regular updates will be provided.

HM Coroner has been notified and an inquest will be opened in due course. A post mortem took place on Monday (6) and the results of further tests are awaited.

IOPC Regional Director Derrick Campbell said: “Our sympathies are with Mr Pryor’s family and everyone else affected by his death. Our inquiries are at an early stage and we will be carrying out a thorough investigation of all the circumstances.”