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Investigation launched following death of woman in WMP custody

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

All IOPC reports
Published
2026-02-16
Investigation type
independent
Force involved
West Midlands Police

What was investigated

An independent investigation has been declared following the death of a woman at a WMP custody block. The woman was found unresponsive in a cell after being arrested the previous evening.

Key findings

  • The woman was arrested at 6.30pm on 2 Feb 2026.
  • She was found unresponsive in her cell at 2.15pm on 3 Feb 2026.
  • She was pronounced dead at the scene.
  • Investigators preserved and examined the scene.
  • Evidence was recovered, including CCTV and body worn video.
  • The police Post Incident Procedure was overseen by IOPC.
  • Circumstances surrounding the woman's arrest and supervision while in custody will be examined.
  • A thorough investigation is necessary due to the death of a member of the public in police care.

Outcome

An independent investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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.