Police Watchdog Investigates Death of Man in Custody

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has initiated an investigation into the death of 26-year-old Ellis Rocks, who was found unresponsive while in police custody. Rocks was detained by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers at the Britannia Hotel in Standish, Wigan, at approximately 20:35 on March 7, 2024.

According to the IOPC, Rocks was handcuffed and searched before his transfer to custody. He remained in the custody suite overnight, where detention officers called for an ambulance at around 02:30 on March 8 after observing he was unresponsive on the floor of his cell. Emergency medical personnel arrived and transported him to the hospital. Unfortunately, Rocks suffered a cardiac arrest during the journey, and resuscitation efforts began immediately. He was pronounced dead at 07:20 on March 10, 2024.

In light of the incident, GMP made a mandatory referral to the IOPC, prompting investigators to be deployed in the early hours of March 8. By 10:18 on March 10, the IOPC had declared an independent investigation. The watchdog is currently reviewing CCTV footage from the custody suite and body-worn camera footage from the officers involved in the arrest.

An IOPC spokesperson expressed condolences, stating, “This was a tragic incident in which Mr. Rocks has sadly died, and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.” The spokesperson emphasized the necessity for a thorough and independent investigation, noting that it would encompass all aspects of the officers’ interactions with Rocks during his detention and subsequent care.

The IOPC has reached out to Rocks’ family to explain their role in the investigation and has committed to providing updates as inquiries progress. This case highlights the critical need for accountability and transparency in situations where individuals are in police custody, especially concerning their health and safety.

As the investigation unfolds, questions remain regarding the circumstances surrounding Rocks’ health and the actions taken by officers once he became unwell. The IOPC is dedicated to ensuring that a comprehensive review is conducted to determine the facts and provide clarity for both the family and the public.