Specialist Calls For Thorough Investigation

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has launched an appeal for witnesses following the death of a woman in police custody in York.

An independent investigation has begun into the death of the 31-year-old, who was detained by police under the Mental Health Act after a man raised concerns about her behaviour to officers on Thursday afternoon (June 2nd).

She was found collapsed in her cell at Fulford Road Police Station several hours later and was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to York District Hospital.

The IPCC is urging anyone who saw the woman on Bootham in the city to come forward and help with the investigation.

Ifti Manzoor, an expert at Irwin Mitchell who specialises in actions against the police, said: “It is vital that as much information is gathered on this incident in York as possible.

“Police officers play an incredibly important role in society, but they do have a duty to ensure they also meet the highest standards and function in the correct manner.

“The IPCC must work quickly and thoroughly to determine the circumstances surrounding this death, as well as whether lessons can be learnt which will prevent similar instances from occurring in the future.”