Man dies in Croydon police custody

A 52-year-old man has died while in police custody at the Windmill Road custody suite in Croydon. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the man was found unresponsive during routine cell checks in the early hours of Friday, August 21.

Officers conducting checks at 00:30hrs discovered the man unwell and unresponsive. They entered the cell, administered first aid, and called for the London Ambulance Service. Paramedics attended and pronounced the man dead at 01:17hrs.

Arrest and Custody

The man had been arrested earlier in the week, on Tuesday, August 19, at 13:05hrs in Croydon. His arrest was made on a no-bail warrant issued by Croydon Magistrates' Court after he failed to appear on charges of being drunk and disorderly.

While in custody, the man was seen by a healthcare professional, and received welfare and observation checks, according to the Metropolitan Police.

Independent Investigation

As per standard procedure following a death in custody, the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards was informed. A mandatory referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which has now launched an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman of the Metropolitan Police expressed condolences to the man's family. He stated that the full circumstances would be independently examined and pledged the force's fullest support to the IOPC investigation.