The police watchdog has launched an investigation into the death of a man who was found unresponsive in police custody.
Ellis Rocks, 26, was detained by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers at the Britannia Hotel in Standish, Wigan, at 20:30 BST on Thursday, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said.
Officers had responded to a call reporting that a man was trying to deal drugs and an arrest was made on suspicion of a drug offence, and also for an assault in London, GMP said.
Mr Rocks was found collapsed in his cell at 02:30 on Friday, but suffered a cardiac arrest on his way to hospital where he died.
The IOPC said information indicated that Mr Rocks had been handcuffed and searched by officers before he was transferred to custody.
An ambulance was called by detention officers after he was found unresponsive and lying on the floor of a cell.
CCTV footage from the custody suite and body-worn video footage from the arresting officers has been reviewed as part of the watchdog’s investigation.
An IOPC spokesperson said: “We will examine all relevant matters including the interaction officers had with Mr Rocks during his detention and what happened after he arrived at the custody suite.
“We have made contact with his family to explain our role and will update them as our inquiries progress.”
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes said: “Our thoughts are with the family of Ellis who have endured the most heartbreaking last few days.
“What is most important is that they get all the answers to what has led to his death.”
