Five GMP officers under investigation after death of man in custody

Five Greater Manchester Police officers are being investigated for potential misconduct following the death of an arrested man who collapsed in his cell.

Ellis Rocks, 26, was detained at a hotel in Wigan on suspicion of a drug offense before being searched and taken into custody on July 31.

He was later found unresponsive and suffered a cardiac arrest on the way to the hospital, where he died three days later, prompting an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.

The watchdog has now revealed that five officers have been informed that their conduct is being scrutinized in relation to the circumstances of what happened.

The IOPC said in a statement: "As part of our ongoing investigation, three officers have been advised they are being investigated for potential breaches of the police standards of professional behavior at the level of misconduct.

"A further two officers are being investigated for potential gross misconduct.

"The serving of notices does not necessarily mean that disciplinary proceedings will follow.

"Our investigation remains in its early stages, however, no concerns have been identified at this time regarding any use of force by GMP officers."

’Our hearts break’

In a public post on Facebook, Ellis’s mother, Paula Wilkie, said: "Ellis has badly been let down by the system and our hearts break, but we will get him justice."

Mr. Rocks was arrested at the Britannia Hotel on Almond Brook Road, Standish, after reports of a man trying to deal drugs on the premises.

Officers found him unresponsive in his cell at about 02:30 BST before he was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes previously said GMP would cooperate fully with the IOPC investigation.

Asked about the watchdog’s latest update, the force said it had nothing to add but would continue to support the investigation.

IOPC director Amanda Rowe said: "We have been in contact with Mr. Rocks’s family to update them on the progress of our investigation and have informed them of the latest development.

"Our thoughts remain with all family and friends and anyone affected by his death."