Two police officers are under investigation for gross misconduct following the death of a man in custody in Wigan, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed.
The watchdog launched an investigation after Ellis Rocks, 26, was found unresponsive while being held in custody earlier this month. He had been arrested at the Britannia Hotel on Almond Brook Road, Standish, on the evening of Thursday, 31 July.
According to the IOPC, Mr Rocks was detained just after 8.30pm, handcuffed and searched before being taken to custody. In the early hours of the following morning, at around 2.30am, detention officers discovered him lying on the floor and unresponsive. An ambulance was called, and he was transferred to hospital, where he died on 3 August.
The IOPC said two GMP officers are being investigated for potential gross misconduct, while three others are being looked into over possible misconduct breaches.
An IOPC spokesperson stressed that the inquiry was at an early stage and no concerns had yet been identified about any use of force. CCTV from the custody suite and body-worn video from the arrest are being reviewed.
Amanda Rowe, IOPC regional director, said:
“We have been in contact with Mr Rocks’s family to update them on the progress of our investigation and they have been informed of the latest development. Our thoughts remain with all family and friends and anyone affected by his death.
“While we’ve notified a number of officers they are under investigation, this does not mean that disciplinary proceedings will automatically follow. At the end of our investigation, we will determine whether any individuals should face disciplinary proceedings.
“It’s important that we continue to carry out an independent and thorough investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident.”
Following his death, Greater Manchester Police said it was aware of “comments and speculation online” and confirmed Mr Rocks had been arrested on suspicion of drug offences and in connection with an assault investigation in London.
The force added that the arrest was not linked to any protest activity and that the hotel where he was detained did not house asylum seekers.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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