Protester Dies After Arrest Outside Hotel – Family Blames Police

Overview

Details

A 26-year-old man has died after being found unconscious in a police cell following his arrest at a protest outside the Britannia Hotel in Wigan on Thursday night.

Ellis Rocks, described by his family as a passionate and peaceful campaigner, had been participating in a demonstration against the use of hotels for asylum seeker accommodation. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed Ellis was arrested at the scene for alleged public order offences.

Ellis was found unresponsive in his cell during routine checks hours after his arrest. He was taken to hospital, where he remained in a critical condition for 52 hours before passing away early Saturday morning with family at his bedside.

Ellis’s family has accused GMP of negligence, claiming his death was avoidable. In an emotional statement, they said:
🖤 “We are broken. No other family should go through this. Ellis was exercising his democratic right to protest peacefully. He should have come home to us.”

Two GMP officers have reportedly been served misconduct papers in relation to the incident, and an independent investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been launched.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said:
“We can confirm that a 26-year-old man was arrested in connection with a public order incident outside the Britannia Hotel on Thursday night. He was later found unresponsive in custody. We are cooperating fully with the IOPC investigation and extend our condolences to Mr. Rocks’ family during this incredibly difficult time.”

Campaigners are now calling for an urgent review into police handling of protests and custody procedures.

The IOPC confirmed their investigation is at an early stage and urged anyone with footage or information to come forward.

This is a developing story. Further updates will follow.