UPDATE: Swindon father dies in custody ‘after ringing police for help’
The police watchdog have launched a probe after a man died in Swindon custody.
Wiltshire Air Ambulance was scrambled to the incident at Gablecross Police Station alongside ambulance crews around 7.30am this morning (Sunday).
Despite treatment from 999 crews for more than an hour, a man aged in his 30s – who had been arrested and was being held in custody – was pronounced dead.
Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) have launched an investigation, prompting the complete closure of the custody suite.
Detainees were transferred to Melksham custody and senior officers have warned frontline cops to refrain from making arrests unless it is necessary.
The force has also cancelled all voluntary attendance interviews due to take place. The custody suite could remain closed for some time for investigation work.
In a statement, Superintendent Steve Cox said: “We can confirm a man in his 30s has died while in custody at Gablecross Police Station, Swindon, today.
“The man, who had been held in custody since Saturday morning, became unwell this morning and was sadly declared deceased at around 9am.
“As a result, we have made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) who are now independently investigating.
“It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”
The news comes just days after the reopening of the Melksham custody suite, which closed for a £3.7 million refurbishment in mid-February 2023.
