Man Dies in Police Custody following his arrest in Reading
A man has died in police custody following his arrest on suspicion of assault and drug possession. Thames Valley Police has referred itself to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) following the death of the 44-year-old. At 1.30pm on Saturday, April 1 police officers responded to an incident in Reading where they arrested a man on suspicion of assault and possession with intent to supply a Class A drug. While in custody police became concerned for the man’s welfare and took him to Royal Berkshire Hospital. He was later discharged and returned to the police station that evening. At around 4am the following day – Sunday, April 2 – the man the man was found unresponsive in his cell. Officers at the station, along with ambulance staff, gave the man medical assistance and he was taken back to the hospital. He was pronounced dead at 5am. IPCC Associate Commissioner Guido Liguori said: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of the man, and those affected by his death. Our investigators met a number of family members yesterday and will continue to support them throughout the investigation. We are now working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the man’s death.” A post-mortem examination was due to take place today – Monday, April 3. Detective Chief Superintendent Tim De Meyer said: “We have referred a case to the IPCC following the death of a 44-year-old man in police custody.
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