An inquiry has been initiated following the death of a man after his detention by Border Force officers at Manchester Airport.
The individual, aged 27, was apprehended for “exhibiting peculiar behavior” at the airport, as he was preparing to depart on Wednesday, according to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
In their official statement, the oversight authority noted: “He was subsequently apprehended by officers and moved to a secure area where he became ill, necessitating the call for paramedics.”
“Regrettably, he was declared deceased at 1:53 PM. Upon being informed of the man’s passing, we commenced an independent inquiry into the circumstances at 4:29 PM on Wednesday.”
The inquiry commenced later that same day after the Home Office referred the matter to the IOPC, which indicated that investigators have been dispatched to the location to start collecting evidence.
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IOPC director Amanda Rowe further commented in the statement: “Firstly, our sympathies are with the man’s family and friends, alongside all those impacted by his passing.”
“When an individual dies while in custody, it is crucial that a comprehensive investigation is conducted to discern the events that transpired.”
“We have reached out to the man’s family to clarify our role and will provide updates as the inquiry unfolds.”
“Our investigation is still in its preliminary phases, and no additional information is available at this juncture.”
