Death in Police Custody Investigated

The independent body with responsibility for the police complaints system is to investigate the actions of a number of officers after a 42-year-old man died while in custody.

Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) will be scrutinising the actions of the Warwickshire Police officers following the arrest on suspicion of theft and subsequent death of a Nuneaton man.

Sean Walsh was arrested on the evening of 1 May and taken to Nuneaton Custody Suite. Officers decided he was unfit to question due to earlier alcohol and was detained overnight.

The following morning Mr Walsh fell while in the custody area of the police station and was transferred to hospital, where he later died.

Warwickshire Police referred the matter to the IPCC which opted to conduct an independent investigation. The investigation will look at how Warwickshire Police cared for Mr Walsh and whether they met their overall duty of care to him.

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Ifti Manzoor from law firm Irwin Mitchell said: "I note that the IPCC will conduct an independent investigation into this man's death in custody. It is important to keep the family informed through these difficult times.

"The family must ensure they have help from lawyers who have expertise in this area so the police officers actions and the cause of death can be carefully considered and challenged if needed at any future inquest."

If you believe you have been unfairly treated or unlawfully arrested by the police, our police complaints solicitors could help you claim compensation. See ourProtecting Your Rights page for more information or inquire online.