The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the death of a man who became unconscious while in police custody in Leeds and later died in hospital.

The 43-year-old man died on Wednesday, September 25, after he was found unresponsive in his cell following an apparent medical episode on Tuesday, September 24. The investigation was initiated after a mandatory referral from West Yorkshire Police.

The man had arrived at the Elland Road Custody Suite on Monday, September 23, at 5:30 pm. He was seen by a medical care practitioner upon arrival, and no medical concerns were raised at that time. On Tuesday, at around 1 pm, custody staff found the man unresponsive in his cell. They immediately performed CPR and requested an ambulance. He was taken to the hospital, where he received treatment but tragically died the following day.

IOPC Regional Director Emily Barry expressed her condolences, saying, “Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends, and all those affected by his death. We have been in contact with the family to explain our role and advise them of the next steps.

She added, “When someone has died after being taken into police custody, it is important that all the circumstances are independently and impartially examined.

IOPC investigators have secured CCTV footage from the custody suite as part of their investigation. They are also reviewing custody logs and obtaining statements from the custody staff involved. All officers and staff from West Yorkshire Police are currently being treated as witnesses in the investigation.

The IOPC aims to provide an independent and transparent review of the incident, ensuring that the events leading up to the man’s death are fully understood and any questions or concerns raised by his family are addressed.

This investigation is in its early stages, and the IOPC has stated that it will provide further updates as more information becomes available.