Misconduct inquiry after man's death in custody
Ian S/GeographThree police officers are being investigated for gross misconduct following the death of a man who had been arrested.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said 28-year-old Michael Carolan fell ill at Torquay police station and died at 05:00 GMT on 15 January after being taken to hospital.
Carolan had been reported missing by relatives at 21:00 GMT the previous day and was found less than an hour later in Paignton before being arrested.
Devon and Cornwall Police force, which referred itself to the watchdog soon after the death, said it would fully cooperate with the investigation.
The IOPC said it wanted to examine all the circumstances which led to Carolan's death, including the decision by police to arrest him.
It added it was also looking at a complaint from Carolan's family about how police communicated with them during his arrest and after he died.
Derrick Campbell, IOPC director, said: "We are examining police actions in taking Mr Carolan into custody and the level of care provided to him during the period he was detained."
An IOPC spokesperson added the gross misconduct notices did not necessarily mean disciplinary proceedings would follow.
Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said the force was supporting all officers and staff through the process.
"My thoughts and condolences remain with the family and friends of Michael Carolan," he added.
