Man dies after hospital returns him to police custody
An investigation has been launched after a man died in hospital less than a day after being discharged back into police custody.
Thames Valley Police arrested a 44-year-old man on Saturday (April 1) on suspicion of assault and possession of a Class A drug, and took him to Loddon Valley police station in Reading.
After becoming concerned for his welfare, officers took him to Royal Berkshire Hospital, but he was returned to custody following a medical assessment.
The man was found unresponsive in his cell at approximately 4am on Sunday (April 2). He was returned to hospital and pronounced dead an hour later.
The force has referred the incident to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
The man’s next of kin have been informed.
IPCC Associate Commissioner Guido Liguori said: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of the man, and those affected by his death. Our investigators met with a number of family members yesterday and will continue to support them throughout the investigation.
“We are now working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the man’s death.”