Five Greater Manchester Police officers are being investigated for potential misconduct following the death of an arrested man who collapsed in his cell.
Ellis Rocks, 26, was held at a hotel in Wigan on suspicion of a drug offence before he was searched and taken into custody on 31 July.
He was later found unresponsive and suffered a cardiac arrest on the way to the hospital where he died three days later, triggering an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.
The watchdog has now revealed five officers have been advised their behaviour is being scrutinised in relation to the circumstances of what happened.
The IOPC said in a statement: “As part of our ongoing investigation, three officers have been advised they are being investigated for potential breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour at the level of misconduct.
“A further two officers are being investigated for potential gross misconduct.
“The serving of notices does not necessarily mean that disciplinary proceedings will follow.
“Our investigation remains in its early stages, however no concerns have been identified at this time regarding any use of force by GMP officers.”
In a public post on Facebook, Ellis’s mother Paula Wilkie said: “Ellis has badly been let down by the system and our hearts break, but we will get him justice.”
Mr Rocks was arrested at the Britannia Hotel in Almond Brook Road, Standish, after reports of a man trying to deal drugs on the premises.
Officers found him unresponsive in his cell at about 02:30 BST before he was taken to the hospital where he later died.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes previously said GMP would cooperate fully with the IOPC probe.
Asked about the watchdog’s latest update, the force said it had nothing to add but would continue to support the investigation.
IOPC director Amanda Rowe said: “We have been in contact with Mr Rocks’s family to update them on the progress of our investigation and have been informed of the latest development.
“Our thoughts remain with all family and friends and anyone affected by his death.”
