The man ‘appeared unwell’ just hours before dying at Croydon Custody Centre (Picture: Getty)
A 30-year-old man has died in police custody in Croydon.
The unnamed man was wanted on recall to prison, and was arrested on suspicion of dealing Class A drugs.
Met officers arrested the man in Croydon town centre at around 2.15pm on July 15.
Scotland Yard said officers took the man to Croydon Custody Centre where he was seen by a healthcare practitioner.
Later that evening custody staff noticed the man ‘appeared unwell’ and first aid was given before an ambulance was called.
CPR was provided and the man was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 11pm.
A spokesman for the IOPC said: ‘After being notified by the Met, we sent investigators to the Croydon Custody Centre.’
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A post-mortem was completed on Wednesday but the results have not yet been released.
IOPC director Steve Noonan said: ‘Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends. We have been in contact with family members and close friends in the UK and we understand the man has immediate family overseas.
‘We will also be contacting them to explain our role and will keep them updated throughout the investigation.
‘Given the man has fallen unwell while in police custody and died, it’s important that an independent investigation is carried out to establish all of the circumstances surrounding this incident, including the actions and decision-making of the MPS custody staff present.’
Investigators are currently looking through CCTV from the custody centre and are getting accounts from the custody staff involved.
A spokesman for the Met said: ‘The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards was informed and the incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, who are independently investigating.’
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The man was arrested on suspicion of dealing Class A drugs.
