A MAN has died while being held in custody at a police station in Lower Earley.
The 44-year-old man had been arrested in Reading on Saturday (1) afternoon on suspicion of assault and of possession with intent to supply a class A drug. The man was taken to Loddon Valley police station, in Rushey Way.
Officers became concerned for the man’s welfare and he was taken for medical assessment at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, but was later discharged and subsequently returned to police custody that evening.
However the man was later found unresponsive, and officers and ambulance staff were called to give emergency life support. The man was again taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital where he was declared dead at 5am on Sunday morning.
Thames Valley Police (TVP) has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) on the grounds that the death occurred while in police custody.
CCTV footage and other information is being gathered at the police station and initial accounts have been obtained from relevant police officers and staff.
Detective Chief Superintendent Tim De Meyer said: “We have referred a case to the IPCC following the death of a 44-year-old man in police custody. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.
“The IPCC has initiated an independent investigation. We are co-operating fully and will continue to do so.”
The man’s next of kin have been informed, but formal identification is yet to take place. A post-mortem was scheduled to be carried out today to determine a cause of death.
IPCC Associate Commissioner Guido Liguori said: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of the man, and those affected by his death. Our investigators met with a number of family members yesterday and will continue to support them throughout the investigation.
“We are now working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the man’s death.”