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Investigation under way into death of man in custody at Merthyr Tydfil

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

All IOPC reports
Published
2022-10-03
Force involved
South Wales Police

What was investigated

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the death of a man in custody at Merthyr Tydfil on 21 September. The investigation includes reviewing police actions during the search, arrest, and detention of the man, as well as the level of care provided while in custody.

Key findings

  • The man was stopped by police on suspicion of drugs offences.
  • He was initially taken to a police station for a strip-search and arrested for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
  • The man's detention at Merthyr Bridewell police station was authorised at around 10.30 pm.
  • Regular welfare checks were conducted on the man.
  • Custody staff noticed he became unwell at about 4.30 am and initiated first aid.
  • Paramedics pronounced the man dead at around 6.30 am.
  • The IOPC was notified of the death by South Wales Police.
  • Investigators are reviewing CCTV and police body-worn video footage.

Outcome

The investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances of the man's death in custody.

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.