IOPC investigation after man dies in hospital following arrest

We are investigating the death of a 23-year-old man while in police custody in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.

He died in hospital on 22 August while under police guard following his arrest by Thames Valley Police officers earlier that day.

Out of respect for the family's wishes, we are not naming him at this time.

We have established that during the early hours of 22 August, the man rang police threatening to harm himself and others.

On arrival officers found him harming himself and both officers discharged their tasers once and were able to restrain him.

Prior to his arrest he had taken a quantity of drugs and following his arrest he suffered seizures. He was then taken to hospital by ambulance for medical care and to have his self-inflicted wounds treated and the Taser barbs removed.

Officers remained with him in hospital and used leg restraints on the man after he became agitated and made threats to them.

During the day his condition deteriorated and, despite medical treatment, he died that afternoon in hospital.

A post-mortem examination was held on Friday 29 August, the preliminary cause of death has not been established and we await the results of further tests. HM Coroner has been informed and an inquest was opened and adjourned until 10 February 2026.

IOPC director Derrick Campbell said: "Our thoughts are with the man's family and friends, and all those affected by his death. We have spoken with his family to explain our role and have advised them of the next steps.

"It's important that an independent investigation is carried out to fully establish the circumstances when someone has died while in the custody of police and we will ensure the man's family are kept informed as our investigation progresses."

IOPC investigators have secured officers' body worn video which is being reviewed along with statements from the officers, who are all currently being treated as witnesses.