Inquiry into death after arrest in Bury St Edmunds
- Published
The death of a man in hospital several days after he was held in a police cell in Bury St Edmunds is being looked into by the police watchdog.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating the death of Robert Edwards, 55, on 25 May.
The IPCC said that Mr Edwards was arrested on 20 May on suspicion of assault in connection with an alleged domestic incident.
After becoming unconscious in the cell he was taken to hospital on the 21 May.
When he was first admitted to the police station he was examined by a health professional and found fit to remain in custody and that there were no apparent injuries, the IPCC said.
CCTV footage examined
He died at West Suffolk Hospital on Wednesday, 25 May. Suffolk Police referred the matter to the IPCC on 21 May.
IPCC investigators have attended the police station at Bury St Edmunds to begin gathering evidence and to review CCTV footage from the custody suite.
IPCC Commissioner Sarah Green said: "My sympathies go out to the friends and family of Mr Edwards at this time.
"In the circumstances of a man's death in hospital following a short period of detention in police custody it is appropriate we carry out an independent investigation.
"We will examine the circumstances of his arrest, the initial risk assessment when Mr Edwards was first brought into custody, and the care he received whilst in custody."