IOPC investigation following death of man detained at Milton Keynes hospital

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating Thames Valley Police contact prior to the death of a 24-year-old man who was arrested and taken to Milton Keynes General Hospital.

At this early stage we have established the man, from Milton Keynes, was detained by officers on the morning of Wednesday 27 January after they responded to a report of a disturbance. He was then taken to the hospital by ambulance after medical concerns were raised to police.

Evidence we gathered indicates that later that day as the man was being discharged into police custody there was an incident that led to him being restrained by officers. After being taken to a police vehicle he suffered a cardiac arrest and was returned to the hospital where he was placed in an induced coma.

We were notified by the force and sent an investigator to the police post incident procedure before declaring an independent investigation on 28 January. The man sadly passed away on Tuesday 2 February.

HM Coroner has been informed and an inquest is scheduled to take place in due course.

IOPC Regional Director Graham Beesley said: “I would like to send my condolences to the man’s family and everyone else affected by his death at this difficult and sad time.

“We have a duty to investigate in these circumstances and in particular we are looking at the contact that police officers had with the man prior his death.

“We have contacted the family to explain our role and we will keep them regularly updated throughout our enquiries.”

So far investigators have gathered police body worn video for review, hospital CCTV footage and initial accounts were obtained from officers.