Officer under criminal investigation over cell death

The 36-year-old man died on 15 June while in police custody at Bournemouth Central Police Station

A police detention officer who was on duty when a man died in custody is being investigated over an allegation of gross negligence manslaughter.

The 36-year-old was found unresponsive by two detention officers in a cell at Bournemouth Central Police station on Sunday 15 June at 16:45 BST.

Officers carried out CPR and an air ambulance crew treated him, but the man was pronounced dead just under an hour later. He had been arrested by Dorset Police the day before.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) started an investigation after a referral from the force. It said the officer was also being investigated for gross misconduct over potential standards breaches.

The police complaints watchdog said during his time in detention the man was seen on two occasions by health care practitioners.

IOPC director Derrick Campbell said: "My sympathies are with the man's family and friends.

"We are examining the management of the man's time in custody, including healthcare provisions, custody staff observations and the handling of identified risks and vulnerabilities.

"We are continuing to gather accounts from police officers and staff, obtaining and reviewing police body-worn video and CCTV footage of the custody suite for the duration of his time there."

The IOPC said it would determine whether the detention officer should face disciplinary proceedings once its investigation had finished.

A post-mortem examination has been carried out, with an inquest yet to be opened.