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Greater Manchester Police officer demoted after investigation following death of man in Wigan

Factual summary of a published IOPC investigation, covering the incident, key findings and outcome.

All IOPC reports
Published
2025-11-06
Investigation type
independent
Force involved
Greater Manchester Police

What was investigated

An investigation by the IOPC was conducted into police contact with a man who died in Wigan after being hit by a vehicle. The sergeant involved was found to have breached professional standards, resulting in a demotion.

Key findings

  • Sgt Wood breached police standards of behaviour.
  • The actions during Mr Roper's arrest were insufficient.
  • Mr Roper was derogatorily referred to by Sgt Wood.
  • Officers left Mr Roper without proper clothing after his release.
  • CCTV showed officers leaving the scene without assisting Mr Roper.
  • A taxi driver found Mr Roper lying in the road after police departure.
  • Mr Roper died from injuries after being hit by a vehicle.
  • A file was submitted to the CPS, but no charges were brought.

Outcome

Sgt Wood was demoted to the rank of PC for gross misconduct. No charges were brought against the officers involved.

Read the full report on policeconduct.gov.uk

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Reviewed by the BlueLineHub Editorial Team
Last reviewed: 13 July 2026 · Next review due: 13 January 2027

This is a factual summary of a report published by the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Individuals are referred to exactly as the source report anonymises them. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the IOPC · Summarised 2026-07-13.