Man found hanged in police cell

Monday 24 March 1997 00:02 GMT

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

An investigation was launched yesterday after a man accused of rape was found hanging in a police cell. Marlon Downes, 20, was found at 3am at Harlesden police station, north-west London. Police officers tried to resuscitate him and he was taken to the Central Middlesex Hospital, also in north-west London, where he was pronounced dead at 4am.

Mr Downes, from Harlesden, was arrested on Friday and was later charged with two counts of rape. He was due to appear before Brent magistrates' court today. The Police Complaints Authority will supervise the investigation into his death; a post-mortem examination was due to be held yesterday.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

Man found hanged in police cell

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering