Six police officers could face criminal charges following the death in custody of a 20-year-old man.
Jack Higham became seriously ill and died following his arrest by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) in Leigh in February 2023 after reports of a stabbing.
After an investigation into possible offences of gross negligence manslaughter and misconduct in public office, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has referred six officers to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
A GMP spokesperson said the force had fully co-operated with the IOPC regarding the “serious alleged offences”.
Officers started CPR and called an ambulance for Mr Higham, who died at the scene of his arrest after becoming “seriously unwell”, said an IOPC spokesperson.
When the police watchdog launched its investigation into the case, it said it would examine the “level of force used to restrain the man” and the care given to him when he became unwell.
The six GMP officers were told they were under criminal investigation in January 2024, the IOPC spokesperson added.
An inquest into Mr Higham’s death opened and adjourned last month, and the police watchdog confirmed it was awaiting the outcome of further post-mortem tests.
The IOPC’s director of engagement Amanda Rowe said the watchdog referred cases to the CPS if its investigations “indicate a criminal offence may have been committed”.
She stressed: “It does not mean criminal charges will necessarily follow. We will now await a CPS decision on this matter.”
The IOPC also confirmed five other officers had been served with gross misconduct notices for potential breaches of police standards of professional behaviour.
A GMP spokesperson said: “We are in contact with the GMP Federation to ensure the officers involved are updated and supported.”
The force will not comment further until after the CPS decides whether to bring any charges, the spokesperson added.
