PROBE AFTER MAN ARRESTED IN TOWN DIES
THE police watchdog has launched an investigation after a man who was arrested in Nuneaton died.
Darren Cumberbatch, 32, died in hospital on Wednesday after being arrested by police at a hostel in the town on Monday, July 10.
Friends have demanded answers over his death after he fell unwell after being detained by officers.
Mr Cumberbatch, from Coventry, was induced into a coma and later died.
Friends today used the hashtag #justiceforDaz in their quest for answers. One pal described him as “polite, pleasant, very helpful - he had many many friends who respected him”.
Yesterday, it was confirmed that the police watchdog, the IPCC, was investigating after force chiefs at Warwickshire Police referred the matter.
The force declined to elaborate on its statement and referred enquiries to the IPCC.
A Facebook post, originally posted by Dan Christie, has been shared numerous times.
It said: “This morning there were so many messages offering condolences to his family from his friends in Coventry where he was originally from, before moving to stay in Nuneaton temporarily. Everybody describes him positively and it is obvious he will be missed by many.
”This is a matter that must be looked into thoroughly and taken very seriously. This must be investigated thoroughly.
“The family and friends of Darren Cumberbatch want to know the truth.”
Warwickshire Police confirmed that an investigation was now underway into the incident.
A spokesperson said: “The male was initially arrested after police were called to an incident in Edward Street, Nuneaton at approximately 00:25 on Monday, 10 July.
“As the officers were concerned for his welfare he was taken to George Eliot Hospital where he was admitted as a patient and subsequently dearrested.
“On July 11, 2017, his condition deteriorated and he was transferred to ITU (Intensive Therapy Unit).
“He sadly died in the early hours of Wednesday, July 19, 2017.
“The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) as is normal procedure after a death following police contact.
“We are very saddened to hear of the death of this man and our deepest sympathies go out to his family. We will provide our full support to the IPCC.
“Warwickshire Police is unable to comment further at this time and will be assisting the IPCC with their enquiries.”
The watchdog confirmed the matter had been referred by Warwickshire Police.
An IPCC spokesperson said: “The IPCC has started an independent investigation following the death of a man who was arrested by Warwickshire Police earlier this month.
“The man was arrested at an address in the Nuneaton area on July 10. The IPCC understands that soon afterwards he was taken to hospital where he remained in a serious condition.
“Police were informed of his death early yesterday (July 19), and subsequently referred the matter to us.
“Our investigation which will look at the circumstances of the man’s death and the contact police had with him.”
A spokesperson for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire said: “We have been made aware of an incident in which a man died in hospital following his earlier arrest in Nuneaton by Warwickshire Police.
“As is normal in such cases, the Independent Police Complaints Commission has begun a full and thorough investigation to establish the facts.
“It is important that this independent process should be allowed to take place before drawing any conclusions. The Commissioner’s thoughts and sympathies are with the man’s family and friends at this difficult time.”