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Investigation under way after man dies in police custody in Sunderland

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

All IOPC reports
Published
2023-12-05
Investigation type
independent
Force involved
Northumbria Police

What was investigated

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating after a man died while in the custody of Northumbria Police. Following a mandatory referral from Northumbria Police, an independent investigation began to understand the circumstances surrounding the man's death.

Key findings

  • The man died while in police custody.
  • He was taken to Southwick custody suite on 11 November.
  • He was seen by a healthcare professional on the same day of his arrest.
  • During a routine check on 12 November, assistance was called shortly after 11.40am.
  • Paramedics declared him dead at 12.23pm.
  • Officers and staff who came into contact with him are being treated as witnesses.
  • A significant amount of footage from the custody suite is under review.
  • An inquest was opened and adjourned earlier this month.

Outcome

The investigation is ongoing, and the findings will be shared with the man's family, Northumbria Police, and HM Coroner in due course.

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.