Police force refers itself to watchdog after man, 27, dies being detained
A police watchdog investigation has been launched after a 27-year-old man died while being detained by officers.
Hertfordshire Police revealed it had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over the incident in Hemel Hempstead on Thursday.
The force said the suspect was ‘taken ill’ while being detained in the Cotterells, a residential area.
It is standard practice for police to ask the IOPC to investigate after anyone dies while in custody or following recent contact with officers.
A spokesperson for the force said: ‘Hertfordshire Constabulary has contacted the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following the death of a 27 year old man from Hemel Hempstead on Thursday, February 10, after he was taken ill while being detained in Cotterells, Hemel Hempstead.
‘The IOPC was informed of the incident, which is standard procedure when a person who has been in recent contact with the police dies.
‘Our thoughts are with the man’s family at this difficult time and we will be doing everything we can to assist with the IOPC investigation to establish the exact circumstances surrounding his death.
‘At this stage it would be inappropriate to comment any further.’
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