An independent investigation has been launched after a 45-year-old man died in police custody at the Romford custody suite in East London earlier this month.
The man was arrested around 3.30pm on 31 March and subsequently charged and remanded in custody to appear in court on 2 April. However, in the early hours of that day, he was found unresponsive in his cell during a routine check, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed.
Efforts to Save Him Unsuccessful
According to the IOPC, custody staff began CPR immediately and an ambulance was called, but the man was sadly pronounced dead at approximately 4am.
A post-mortem examination was carried out on 7 April, and investigators are now awaiting further test results to determine the exact cause of death. The local coroner has been informed and an inquest is expected to open in due course.
IOPC Leads Independent Investigation
The IOPC has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death. Investigators have already met with the man’s family to explain their role and outline the next steps in the process.
Amanda Rowe, IOPC regional director, said:
“Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends, and all those affected by his death.
It’s important that an independent investigation is carried out to fully establish the circumstances when someone has died in police custody.
We will ensure that the man’s family and the force are kept informed as our investigation progresses.”
The watchdog is currently reviewing CCTV footage from within the custody suite, body-worn video from the arresting officers, custody logs, and is gathering statements from staff involved in the man’s detention.
Public Scrutiny on Custody Procedures
The incident adds to growing national scrutiny surrounding deaths in police custody, with campaigners and oversight bodies emphasising the need for transparency, accountability, and thorough investigations.
No further details about the man’s identity or the nature of the charges he faced have been released at this stage.
