The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the death of a 42-year-old man who was found unresponsive in a custody cell at Charing Cross Police Station in Westminster. The man, who was being held for recall to prison, died in hospital on Sunday, October 11, more than a week after he was discovered by officers during routine cell checks shortly before 4.30am on Friday, October 2.
Arrest and custody timeline
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the man was arrested at 2.43pm on Thursday, October 1, the day before he was found unresponsive. According to the force, a risk assessment to identify any medical or other issues was carried out after he arrived in custody, in line with their standard protocol. Officers provided first aid at the scene, and London Ambulance Service paramedics were called to the station.
The man was taken to hospital, where he remained for over a week before his death. He has not yet been publicly named. The Metropolitan Police’s Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) was informed of the initial incident, and a mandatory referral was made to the IOPC. Both bodies have now been made aware of the man’s death.
IOPC investigation underway
The IOPC is conducting an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death. Commander Lou Sargent of the Metropolitan Police expressed condolences, stating: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the man’s family and friends at this difficult time. As is standard procedure, the full circumstances surrounding his death will now be independently examined, and we will provide our fullest support to the IOPC investigation.”
The Charing Cross Police Station has faced scrutiny in the past. A Panorama undercover investigation in 2025 found that officers at the station used racist and misogynistic language and boasted of using excessive force. Following that investigation, seven officers were dismissed from the force for misconduct, and the station’s custody team was restructured.
Impact and next steps
The IOPC’s investigation will examine the full circumstances of the man’s death, including the initial arrest, the risk assessment, and the care provided while in custody. The outcome of the investigation is expected to determine whether any further action is taken against individuals or whether changes to custody procedures are required.
