Met officers arrested over Sean Rigg custody death

Sean Rigg died from cardiac arrest

Two serving and one retired Met police officers have been arrested as part of the investigation into the death of a man in custody in south London.

Sean Rigg, 40, who was schizophrenic, died from a cardiac arrest at Brixton police station in August 2008.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission said they were arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice over evidence given at inquest.

All three have been released on bail until May.

An inquest jury in August last year found officers had used "unsuitable" force after arresting Mr Rigg before his death on 21 August, 2008.

The musician had a 20-year history of mental illness.

'Prone position'

The serving officers, a 50-year-old sergeant and a 29-year-old PC, were held on suspicion of perjury and perverting the course of justice.

The retired officer, 48, was held on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

An Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) spokesman said: "IPCC investigators have carried out searches at their home addresses and the serving officers' workplaces.

"Mr Rigg's family have been told about today's developments through their solicitors."

Officers had restrained Mr Rigg for eight minutes in the "prone position" while he was being arrested, a length of time that "more than minimally" contributed to his death, the inquest found.

Following the inquest Met Police Assistant Commissioner Simon Byrne apologised "unreservedly" for the death and the IPCC launched a review of the case.