Man, 26, dies in custody after being found unresponsive in police cell
A major IOPC investigation has been launched into the 26-year-old death of Ellis Rocks, who was found collapsed in a cell at Wigan police headquarters last week.
The police watchdog has launched an investigation into the death of a man who was found unresponsive in police custody.
Ellis Rocks was detained by Greater Manchester Police officers at the Britannia Hotel in Wigan, at about 8.35pm on Thursday, the Independent Office for Police Conduct said. Officers had responded to a call reporting that a man was trying to deal drugs at a premises in the town, and an arrest was made on suspicion of a drug offence, and also for an assault in London, GMP said. Information indicates Mr Rocks, 26, was handcuffed and searched by officers at the scene before being transferred to custody, the watchdog added.
Mr Rocks remained in custody overnight and an ambulance was called by detention officers at about 2.30am on Friday after he was seen to be unresponsive and lying on the floor of a cell.
"We will examine all relevant matters including the interaction officers had with Mr Rocks during his detention and what happened after he arrived at the custody suite. We have made contact with his family to explain our role and will update them as our inquiries progress.”
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes said: “Our thoughts are with the family of Ellis who have endured the most heartbreaking last few days. What is most important is that they get all the answers to what has led to his death. We will fully co-operate with the IOPC’s inquiries.
“Incidents where someone sadly dies following police contact are rare but are nevertheless deeply impactful for that person’s loved ones. It is important following a death in our custody that a thorough and independent investigation takes place, and I urge people to not rush to judgment before the full facts are established.”
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