The police watchdog has revealed more about the death in Swindon custody.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation after Piotr Rak, known as Peter and nicknamed Raku, died on Sunday (19 May).
At around 1.50am on Saturday (18 May), officers responded to a call about an Audi in Fleet Street. On arrival, they found Peter getting into the car.
He provided a positive specimen of breath at the roadside and was subsequently arrested on suspicion of being drunk in charge of a vehicle.
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An IOPC spokesperson added: “He was taken to Gablecross Police Station with custody authorised at around 2.45am.
“Mr Rak was placed on regular observations by staff during his time in custody.
“Shortly after 8am on Sunday 19 May he was found to be experiencing a medical episode.
“CPR was started and an ambulance arrived soon after. Emergency helicopter medics also attended. Sadly, Mr Rak was pronounced dead at the police station at 9am on Sunday.”
Having been notified by Wiltshire Police of the death following his 30-hour detention, the IOPC sent investigators to the police station to begin post-incident procedures.
They added: “Our investigation is looking at the circumstances of the arrest, including the decisions and actions taken in relation to Mr Rak’s detention and whether police officers and staff acted in accordance with local and national policies and procedures.”
A post mortem was held on Monday (20 May) and further tests are being carried out. Further details have not been provided, but the coroner has been informed.
The watchdog says it has started to gather accounts from officers and staff involved and will be viewing CCTV from the custody suite and body worn video from officers involved.
IOPC regional director Derrick Campbell said: “I send my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Rak for their sad loss.
“We have now met Mr Rak’s family and explained our role and how our investigation will progress.
“We will be examining police actions in taking Mr Rak into custody and the level of care provided to him over the around 30 hour period he was detained.
“We are independent of the police and it is important that we carry out an investigation to fully establish the circumstances when someone has died in police custody.”
