Key Points:
- A 45-year-old man died while in police custody at Romford custody suite
- He was arrested on 31 March and due to appear in court on 2 April
- Found unresponsive in his cell at around 3.30am on 2 April
- CPR was administered but he was pronounced dead at 4am
- Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation
- A post-mortem was conducted on 7 April; further test results pending
- IOPC is reviewing CCTV, body-worn footage, custody logs, and staff statements
- The Coroner has been informed and an inquest will follow
An independent investigation is underway after a 45-year-old man died in police custody at a Romford facility in the early hours of 2 April.
What happened during the Romford custody incident?
According to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the man was arrested at around 3.30pm on Sunday, 31 March, and was taken to the Romford custody suite. He was later charged and remanded in custody, with a court appearance scheduled for Tuesday, 2 April.
However, at approximately 3.30am that morning, during a routine cell check, the man was found unresponsive. Custody staff attempted CPR and called for an ambulance. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead at about 4am.
What has the IOPC said about the investigation?
Amanda Rowe, regional director of the IOPC, confirmed the launch of an independent inquiry into the death. She stated:
“Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends, and all those affected by his death.
We have now met with his family to explain our role and have advised them of the next steps. It’s important that an independent investigation is carried out to fully establish the circumstances when someone has died in police custody.
We will ensure that the man’s family and the force are kept informed as our investigation progresses.”
What steps are being taken in the investigation?
The IOPC has begun reviewing all available CCTV from the Romford custody suite as well as body-worn video footage from the arresting officers. Investigators are also examining custody logs and collecting statements from staff who were on duty during the man’s detention.
What is the status of the post-mortem?
A post-mortem examination took place on 7 April, but conclusive findings have yet to be released. Further toxicological or pathological tests may be necessary to determine the exact cause of death.
Has the Coroner been notified?
Yes, the Coroner has been informed, and an inquest is expected to open in due course, pending the outcome of ongoing tests and the IOPC’s investigation.
What happens next?
The IOPC will continue gathering evidence and is expected to provide updates to both the man’s family and the Metropolitan Police Service as the inquiry progresses. Their findings will inform any potential recommendations or actions.
If you have any information related to this incident or concerns about custody conditions, you can contact the IOPC or the Metropolitan Police directly.
