IOPC investigation begins following Wigan death in custody
Factual summary of a published IOPC investigation, covering the incident, key findings and outcome.
All IOPC reports
- Published
- 2025-08-03
- Investigation type
- independent
- Force involved
- Greater Manchester Police
What was investigated
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is independently investigating the death of a man in police custody in Wigan. The man was found unresponsive in custody after being detained by police.
Key findings
- The man was detained by police officers at the Britannia Hotel.
- He was handcuffed and searched before being taken into custody.
- An ambulance was called after he was seen unresponsive.
- He suffered a cardiac arrest while being transported to the hospital.
- CCTV and body-worn video footage have been reviewed.
- Initial accounts from officers involved are being obtained.
Outcome
An independent investigation has been declared by the IOPC following a mandatory referral from the force.
Related on BlueLineHub
- Accountability hub — how oversight of UK policing works
- IOPC outcomes & learning feed
- Greater Manchester Police force profile
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.