The actions of Lincolnshire Police before a man died after being taken into custody are being investigated by The Independent Office for Police Conduct. On December 21, 2022, a 51 year old man was taken into custody after a lorry crash. Lincolnshire Police arrested him on suspicion of driving with excess alcohol.
The heavy goods vehicle left the A1 southbound carriageway near Colsterworth and went through a hedgerow before coming to rest in a field at around 3.45pm. It has been established by the IOPC that the driver was taken to Grantham Police Station where his detention was authorised at 5.11pm.
However, about 30 minutes later the man collapsed in the custody booking in area and was provided with basic first aid by officers and a health care professional whilst an ambulance was requested. Shortly after 6pm an ambulance arrived and the man was transferred the man to Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, where he was pronounced dead at about 8.40pm, reports Lincolnshire Live.
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The IOPC began an investigation on December 22 following a mandatory referral from Lincolnshire Police. A week later, on December 29, a post mortem examination was held and further tests are being carried out.
The coroner has been informed and an inquest was opened and adjourned on Monday, January 9. IOPC regional director Derrick Campbell said: “We have been in contact with the man’s wife and family to express our sympathies for their loss and to explain our role.
"Where someone has died after being taken into police custody, it is important that all the circumstances are independently and impartially examined. We are looking at whether the arrest and detention were carried out in line with relevant local and national police policy and procedure, and whether the care provided in custody was appropriate.”
IOPC investigators are reviewing dashcam footage from the scene of the incident and CCTV footage from the custody suite, they are also obtaining statements from the officers involved and an independent witness. All police officers are being treated as witnesses at this stage.
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