Young man, 26, dies in police custody after being spotted unconscious on cell floor

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.

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After paramedics arrived, he was taken to hospital but he suffered a cardiac arrest en route and resuscitation was commenced. Mr Rocks died in hospital at 7.20am on Sunday. After a mandatory referral from GMP, IOPC investigators were deployed in the early hours of Friday and an independent investigation was declared at 10.18am on Sunday.

The watchdog has reviewed CCTV from the custody suite and body-worn video footage from officers involved in the arrest, it said. It has also been in touch with the force about receiving initial accounts from the officers.

An IOPC spokesperson said: “This was a tragic incident in which Mr Rocks has sadly died and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. GMP referred this matter to us, and as he was in the custody of police at the time he became unwell, it is important there is a thorough and independent investigation.

"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.”