Ellis Rocks, 26, from Wigan, was found unresponsive in police custody and died two days later – now, five police officers are being investigated by the IOPC
Five police officers are under investigation following the death of a man who was found unconscious in custody.
Ellis Rocks, 26, from Wigan, was arrested at The Britannia Hotel in Standish at around 8.35pm on July 31. Officers from Greater Manchester Police handcuffed him and took him into custody. He was discovered “unresponsive and lying on the floor in a cell” shortly after 2am on August 1.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct ( IOPC ) reviewed CCTV from the custody suite and officers’ body-worn video footage involved in the arrest. In a statement online, the IOPC said: “As part of our ongoing investigation, three GMP officers have been advised they are being investigated for potential breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour at the level of misconduct.
“While a further two GMP officers are being investigated for potential gross misconduct. Our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death remains in its early stages, however no concerns have been identified at this time regarding any use of force by GMP officers.”
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe said they have been in touch with the victim’s family to provide them with an update. “Our thoughts remain with all family and friends and anyone affected by his death,” she said.
“While we’ve notified a number of officers they are under investigation, this does not mean that disciplinary proceedings will automatically follow. At the end of our investigation, we will determine whether any individuals should face disciplinary proceedings.
“It’s important that we continue to carry out an independent and thorough investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident. The family have asked for privacy and to not be approached by reporters at this difficult time. Please may I ask for their wishes to be respected.”
His mother Paula described him as a “beautiful boy” and vowed to seek justice following the tragedy. She earlier said: “My beautiful boy Ellis has sadly passed away this morning at 07.20 am. Me and his sister Sasha Leigh-Rocks got to spend the last 52 hours of his life at his side and held his hands as he took his last breath.
“Nothing can fix this pain we feel as a family, and it’s something that could have been avoided. To avoid speculation and malicious rumours. My son was arrested and in police custody at the time, and an event occurred where only we know as a family, and our closest friends. There has been an investigation started already yesterday.”
She added: “We have our own investigation team who are in touch with us every step of the way to find justice for my son Ellis Rocks and to make sure this never happens to anyone’s child again.
“We ask as a family to give us space to grieve. We are broken as a family. We cannot thank the paramedics who attended to Ellis enough, they are helping us with the enquiry as they seen first hand the events that had unfolded. May my little boy rest in peace and we will fight for justice till the day we die.”
