Watchdog investigates woman's death after arrest

An investigation is under way after a woman who was taken to hospital after being arrested later collapsed and died in police custody.

The 46-year-old became unresponsive at West Cheshire Custody Suite in Blacon, Chester, on Tuesday 4 August and died later that evening.

The woman had twice been taken to the Countess of Chester Hospital in the hours before she collapsed, although details of her condition have not been released.

Chester Police has referred itself to watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is now reviewing evidence including body-worn camera footage and CCTV.

The IOPC said officers first came into contact with the woman after being called to the hospital at 17:30 BST on Monday 3 August.

After she was discharged by medical staff, officers helped her into a taxi home.

However, police were called again shortly before 19:00 that evening after neighbours reported a disturbance outside her home.

She was arrested and taken into custody about 20:00 but became unwell and was taken back to hospital.

The IOPC said she was discharged and returned to the custody suite in the early hours of Tuesday.

Her condition deteriorated while in custody and she became unresponsive at about 10:45, prompting staff to call paramedics.

She was taken to hospital, where she died later that evening.

The IOPC said investigators attended the custody suite on Wednesday 5 August and began reviewing CCTV footage and body-worn video.

An independent investigation was launched later that day.

IOPC director of engagement Amanda Rowe said: "We will examine all relevant matters including the interaction officers had with the woman prior to and after she arrived at the custody suite.

"We have made contact with her family to explain our role and will update them as our enquiries progress."

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