An independent investigation has been launched after a 42-year-old man died in hospital following a medical emergency while in police custody in central London.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed on 13 October that the man had been found unresponsive during cell checks at Charing Cross custody suite in Westminster in the early hours of 2 October. He was given first aid by officers before London Ambulance Service staff took over his medical care and transported him to hospital. He died on 11 October.

Independent Watchdog Examines Circumstances

The man had been arrested on 1 October for recall to prison. Police said a risk assessment was carried out when he arrived in custody, in line with standard procedures.

The Metropolitan Police’s Directorate of Professional Standards was informed after the incident, and a mandatory referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The watchdog is now independently examining the circumstances surrounding the death.

Investigation Under Way

The police have said they will provide support to the independent investigation. The circumstances leading to the man becoming unresponsive and the subsequent death remain subject to examination.

The investigation will establish the relevant facts, and no conclusions about responsibility should be drawn before its findings are known.