Man died after being handcuffed 'for own safety'

The death of an autistic man who stopped breathing after being placed in handcuffs "for his own safety" is being investigated by the police watchdog.

Greater Manchester Police were called to Duchy Road, Salford, on Friday 24 July by the family of 28-year-old Ricky Swindells, who said he was experiencing a mental health crisis.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it would be investigating the "decision-making" of the officers and the "necessity, proportionality and rationale" for handcuffing Swindells.

GMP said it had referred itself to the IOPC and was supporting the investigation, and that its officers had acted to try and "de-escalate" the situation.

The initial results of a post-mortem could not determine the cause of Swindells' death and further forensic work, including toxicology testing, is ongoing.

The IOPC said it had reviewed body-worn camera footage from the officers involved, which showed them stating he was being restrained "for his own safety".

The watchdog said Swindells' family were on the phone to the ambulance service at the time police arrived and told the officers he was autistic and in "significant distress".

IOPC director of engagement Amanda Rowe said: "We will carefully examine the actions and decision making of officers involved - including the restraint used in this case.

"This was clearly an extremely distressing incident and our investigation will be thorough to help establish the facts and get answers to the family's questions."

GMP said its officers arrived at 19:49 BST after a call-out stating a man was having a mental health episode, "had been violent" and his family were struggling to restrain him.

A spokesperson said the officers found Swindells "in crisis on the floor" and "appeared to be in distress, agitated and a potential risk to himself".

The force said he was placed in handcuffs at 19:52 and officers attempted to engage with him while trying to "bring calm to the incident".

However at 19:59 the officers became concerned for Swindells' breathing and began first aid from 20:00 until paramedics arrived.

Swindells was taken to hospital but died in the early hours of Saturday 25 July.

Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker said: "This is a really distressing time for all concerned – particularly the family of the man who has sadly passed away after this incident.

"We are doing what we can to establish what happened to answer any questions they will have."

She said the force was also providing the officers involved in the case with "the support they need".

"It is vital that this a proper investigation, independent of the police, is able to be carried out," she said.

"We are fully assisting with the IOPC's enquiries and are committed to accountability to help ensure the facts are established."

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