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Investigation under way after woman dies in police custody in Portsmouth

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

All IOPC reports
Published
2025-08-11
Investigation type
independent
Force involved
Hertfordshire Constabulary, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary

What was investigated

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the death of a woman while in police custody in Portsmouth. The woman was found unresponsive in her cell after being arrested on 8 July and subsequently transferred to custody in Portsmouth where she died on 10 July.

Key findings

  • The woman was arrested by Hertfordshire Constabulary officers on 8 July.
  • She was transferred to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary custody on the same evening.
  • She was found unresponsive in her cell on 10 July at around 2am.
  • CPR was performed by custody staff and paramedics.
  • She was pronounced dead at the custody suite.
  • An inquest has been opened and adjourned until June 2026.
  • CCTV footage from the custody suite has been secured for review.
  • Statements from relevant custody staff are being obtained.

Outcome

An investigation is ongoing, focusing on police contact with the woman and the circumstances surrounding her death.

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.