Tragedy in Rochdale as man dies in police custody following arrest

Friday, 16 May 2025 23:03

By David Murphy

A man has died after suffering a cardiac arrest in a police vehicle shortly after being detained under the Mental Health Act

A 43 year old man has died in police custody after being arrested in Rochdale, prompting a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that the man was detained under the Mental Health Act on Monday evening, 12 May, following a 999 call from a property in the Cutgate area of Rochdale.

Officers responded to the call at around 7pm after the man reportedly sounded unwell. GMP said that when they attended the scene, it was established that the individual was wanted in connection with alleged theft offences.

The man, whose name has not been released, was taken to hospital but became unwell while still inside a police vehicle. He then suffered a cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

In line with standard procedure, GMP has referred the incident to the IOPC for an independent investigation.

The force has not disclosed which hospital the man was being taken to or the reason he was initially detained under the Mental Health Act. The circumstances leading to the cardiac arrest have not yet been confirmed.

An IOPC spokesperson is expected to provide further details as their investigation progresses.

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