IOPC to investigate Norfolk Constabulary death in custody

We have begun an independent investigation following the death in custody of a 51-year-old man, who had been arrested in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire.

He was taken to the Police Investigation Centre in Kings Lynn, Norfolk, at around 7.45pm on Tuesday 24 November, was conscious the next morning but was later found unresponsive in his cell.

Despite efforts to resuscitate him, the man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene at around 11.30am on Wednesday 25 November 2020.

After being notified by Norfolk Constabulary, our investigators attended the Police Investigation Centre and the police post incident procedure where the officers involved provided their initial accounts.

The investigation is at an early stage and we are still gathering information.

HM Coroner has been informed and a post-mortem examination carried out, the results of which are inconclusive and further tests are required to determine the cause of death. The date to open an inquest into the man’s death has yet to be set by the coroner.

IOPC Regional Director Graham Beesley said:

“The man’s next of kin have been notified of his death and my thoughts remain with them and all those affected by this loss.

“As this man has sadly died while in police custody it is important we carry out an independent investigation into all the circumstances surrounding his death.

“We will be looking at the risk assessments made and care plan put in place concerning this man, and the welfare checks that were made on him during his detention.”