Death of 25-year-old man in Luton Cell investigated by police watchdog

The man was taken to custody at Luton Police Station and became ill in his cell, where he was subsequently pronounced dead

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has launched an investigation following the death of a 25 year old man in a Luton Police Station cell.

The man was arrested by Bedfordshire Police at a Luton address at 8:47am yesterday and was taken into custody, where he subsequently became unresponsive in his cell and died.

The IPCC was informed of the incident and has begun an investigation.

Associate Commissioner Guido Liguori, who is overseeing the investigation, said: “I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the man’s family following his death.

"We are in the process of making contact with them to explain our role."

In a statement, Bedfordshire Police confirmed the man was initially arrested on suspicion of domestic violence in Purley Centre, and that there was nothing to suggest the death was caused by police action.

Deputy Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: "The man was taken to custody at Luton Police Station and became ill in his cell, where he was subsequently pronounced dead.

"The IPCC was informed of the incident ... No further details will be released in relation to the deceased until a formal inquest has been opened.

"Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time and we will do all we can to co-operate with the investigation and help provide the family, the coroner and the IPCC with accurate information about how and why he tragically died.

"Without prejudice to the ongoing investigation, from what we know at this time there is nothing to suggest this tragic death was caused by any police action, but we are keeping an open mind and we are determined that a full and transparent investigation is conducted so that the causes of this sad loss can be established for the family.

"As there will be an IPCC independent investigation in to the circumstances surrounding this death it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."

Additional reporting PA