Police complaints body investigates after death of Plymouth man
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating how Devon and Cornwall Police handled reports concerning the welfare of a 34-year-old man who later died in Derriford Hospital.
Shortly before 1am on Tuesday 14 May, a woman contacted Devon and Cornwall Police to report her concerns for the man’s welfare.
Police officers attended the man’s home, in Plymouth, just after 1am and spoke to him although they did not gain entry to the property. Officers left the premises and the incident was recorded as requiring further welfare checks later the same day.
It is understood police officers returned to the man’s address on a number of occasions gaining entry to the property sometime after 11pm. When they entered the property the man was found unconscious, he was taken to Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, where he died on Friday, 17 May.
IPCC Commissioner Rachel Cerfontyne said:
“My condolences go to the man’s family and friends for their loss. I realise what a terribly difficult time this is for them and I have offered to meet the family, should they wish, to discuss our involvement and the investigation.
“The IPCC’s independent investigators are examining how Devon and Cornwall Police responded to this incident in order to better understand the circumstances surrounding this man’s death.”
We hope to provide further information on the investigation at a later stage.
