The police watchdog has launched an investigation into the death of a 26-year-old man who was found unresponsive in police custody. Ellis Rocks died in hospital on Sunday morning after being detained by Greater Manchester Police officers on Thursday evening.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said Rocks was arrested at the Britannia Hotel in Almond Brook Road, Standish, Wigan, at about 8.35pm on Thursday. Officers handcuffed and searched him at the scene before transferring him to custody.
Man found unresponsive in cell
Rocks remained in custody overnight before detention officers called an ambulance at about 2.30am on Friday. He had been seen lying unresponsive on the floor of his cell.
Paramedics arrived and took him to hospital, but he suffered a cardiac arrest en route and resuscitation was commenced. Rocks died in hospital at 7.20am on Sunday.
Investigation launched after referral
Greater Manchester Police made a mandatory referral to the IOPC, and investigators were deployed in the early hours of Friday. An independent investigation was formally declared at 10.18am on Sunday.
The watchdog has reviewed CCTV footage from the custody suite and body-worn video from officers involved in the arrest. It has also contacted the force about receiving initial accounts from the officers involved.
Family contacted about inquiry
An IOPC spokesperson said the organisation had made contact with Rocks' family to explain their role and would update them as inquiries progress. The watchdog will examine all relevant matters including officers' interactions with Rocks during his detention and what happened after he arrived at the custody suite.
"This was a tragic incident in which Mr Rocks has sadly died and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones," the spokesperson said. "As he was in the custody of police at the time he became unwell, it is important there is a thorough and independent investigation."
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
