Police officers are under investigation after man’s death
HE FELL ILL SHORTLY AFTER HIS ARREST AT HOTEL
SIX police officers are being investigated over the death of a man in Huddersfield.
Roberto Villa, 37, of Bath Street, Huddersfield, became ill shortly after being arrested over an altercation at the Edgerton Hotel on December 4.
He later died in hospital. Yesterday (Thursday) the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said six West Yorkshire Police officers have been served with notices of investigation.
The IOPC said it was looking at use of force and care provided to Mr Villa and the notices were served based on evidence it has analysed so far, including from body-worn cameras.
IOPC regional director Miranda Biddle said: “Firstly, our thoughts remain with all those affected by this incident.
“I am pleased with the progress our investigation has made at this stage; the evidence gathered so far has already provided us with a clearer picture of events and we will continue to work hard to establish exactly what happened.
“We have interviewed the six officers under investigation.
“I would like to make it very clear that our enquiries are ongoing and the serving of notices does not mean that misconduct is proven.”
An inquest was opened and adjourned on January 14.
A cause of death has still not been determined and more tests are needed.
Mr Villa had been staying as a guest at Edgerton Hotel in New North Road when the altercation with a member of staff took place.
Shortly after Mr Villa’s death, friends described Mr Villa as a “funny, caring and generous” man who had recently been suffering with mental health problems.
He had previously worked at the Turtle Bay restaurant in Huddersfield.
Friends said Mr Villa had been given treatment for his mental health problems at hospitals in Dewsbury and Halifax.