The police complaints body have launched an investigation after a stabbing suspect died shortly after being arrested by GMP.
Emergency services were called to reports of a stabbing on Park Lane in Leigh shortly after 9.10pm on February 9. A man was rushed to hospital in a serious condition.
A male suspect, in his 20s, was quickly arrested by officers having tried to flee but a short time later became 'seriously unwell' and died at the scene.
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Following the man's death, the force made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), due to the fact the man had been detained by officers prior to becoming unwell.
The watchdog said their investigation remains at a 'very early stage,' and added they will look into the actions and decision-making of police, including the level of force used to restrain the man.
IOPC Regional Director, Catherine Bates, said: "Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones, as well as all those affected by his death. Our investigation will be thorough and carried out independently of the police to understand the circumstances that led to this tragic incident.
"We have been in touch with the man’s family to explain our role and will keep them updated as the investigation progresses."
IOPC investigators have attended the scene and the police post-incident procedures where the officers involved provided their initial accounts of what happened.
Edale Road and Manchester Road were cordoned off by police following the incident. A woodland area with a stream between Edale Road and Mill Lane had been completely closed off, and a forensic tent could be seen.
Tactical Aid Unit (TAU) officers arrived after Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) officers and detectives, searching water drains and bushes on Edale Road for evidence linked to the incident. A sniffer dog later arrived to assist officers at the scene.
One local resident said they arrived home from work to police 'everywhere' and they were not allowed back into their house. "You could just see blue lights everywhere," they said. "It's absolutely terrible to see."
Another resident described hearing a helicopter circling for a long time before the road was crowded with police cars. "It just came out of nowhere," they said.
In a previous statement issued by GMP, a spokesperson said: "At around 9:10pm this evening (Thursday 9 February 2023), officers were called to reports of a stabbing on Park Lane in Leigh. Emergency services attended the scene and a male victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The suspect made off from the scene following the attack, however officers were quickly able to arrest the suspect.
"A short time later, the male suspect became seriously unwell and despite best efforts of officers and emergency services at the scene, the male sadly died."
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