Man dies after collapsing in police cell

Ellis Rocks died after he was found collapsed in a police cell in Wigan

A man has died after being found unresponsive in custody following his arrest at a hotel, the police watchdog has said.

Ellis Rocks, 26, was detained by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers at the Britannia Hotel in Standish, Wigan, at 20:30 BST on Thursday, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said.

GMP said officers had responded to reports that a man was trying to deal drugs and an arrest was made on suspicion of a drug offence and also on suspicion of an assault in London.

The IOPC said Mr Rocks was found collapsed in his cell at 02:30 on Friday, but suffered a cardiac arrest on his way to hospital, where he died.

The watchdog said information indicated Mr Rocks had been handcuffed and searched by officers before he was transferred to custody.

An ambulance was called by detention officers after he was found unresponsive and lying on the floor of a cell.

CCTV footage from the custody suite and body-worn video footage from the arresting officers has been reviewed as part of the watchdog's investigation.

An IOPC representative said it would "examine all relevant matters including the interaction officers had with Mr Rocks during his detention and what happened after he arrived at the custody suite".

"We have made contact with his family to explain our role and will update them as our inquiries progress," they added.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes said GMP's thoughts were "with the family of Ellis who have endured the most heartbreaking last few days".

"What is most important is that they get all the answers to what has led to his death," he added.