Inquiry after woman found dead in police cell

An inquiry has been launched after a woman was found dead in a police cell.

The woman, 44, was found in a custody block at Bloxwich Police Station in Walsall, West Midlands, on 3 February.

Station staff found the woman, from Selly Oak in Birmingham, to be unresponsive in the cell at about 14:15 GMT and she was pronounced dead at the scene. She had been arrested the previous evening.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) announced it would investigate later that day.

The circumstances around the woman's arrest, her supervision while in custody and the actions of police staff who interacted with her would be examined, the IOPC's director of engagement, Derrick Campbell, said.

"As a member of the public has died while in the care of police, it's important we conduct a thorough, independent investigation to establish the full circumstances.

"My condolences go to the woman's family and friends. Our specialist family liaison team are working with them to offer any support they can and guide them through the next stages of our investigation," he added.

Investigators were sent to the custody block to examine the scene and recover evidence including CCTV and body worn video, and to oversee the police's post incident procedure process for officers and staff involved.

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