Police face inquiry over death of dad
THREE OFFICERS BEGINS
THREE police officers are to face a criminal investigation over the death of a dad-of-four as he was arrested outside his home.
Andre Moura, 30, was arrested on suspicion of breach of the peace following a domestic disturbance on July 6 in Oldham.
Greater Manchester Police said officers used CS spray to restrain Mr Moura outside his house before he was taken to Ashtonunder-Lyne police station.
The force said that ‘on arrival’ at the station, Mr Moura was ‘found unresponsive in the back of the police van.’
He was then taken to Tameside hospital, where he was declared dead at 1.30am.
A post-mortem examination was inconclusive and further tests, including a toxicology report, are being carried out to determine the cause of Mr Moura’s death.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation and all 10 police constables who attended the scene have been placed on restricted duties.
The IOPC confirmed three of those officers have been given notice they are under criminal investigation, while seven others have been told that there is an early indication that their behaviour could amount to gross misconduct.
No officers have been arrested and they will be interviewed in due course.
Among the evidence being examined is mobile phone footage obtained by the Manchester Evening News.
In it, Mr Moura can be heard screaming and telling officers they had ‘hurt’ him.
One of Mr Moura’s neighbours, who shot the video, is heard asking police: “Is he alright?
“You just kneed him about... several times [sic].”
An officer replies: “Yeah, I know pal.”
The resident, Barry Lee Martin, is then heard saying: “It was a little excessive him kneeing him then.”
An officer replies: “Yeah, you stood here scrapping with him? No. Go back in your house, pal.”
Earlier in the video, an officer can be heard shouting: “Put your hands behind your back.
“Stop resisting or you’re gonna get sprayed again.”
Mr Moura is heard shouting ‘help me, help.’
The IOPC is also examining CCTV, body-worn video from officers and witness statements.
IOPC regional director Amanda Rowe said: “Our thoughts remain with Mr Moura’s family and friends and everyone affected by this sad incident.
“We continue to keep his family informed of the progress of our investigation.
“This is a very serious and complex case involving a large number of officers which requires a thorough and rigorous independent investigation.
“However, informing officers that they are subject to a criminal or misconduct investigation does not indicate guilt, or mean that proceedings will necessarily follow.
“We intend to interview all 10 officers as soon as possible.”
Mr Moura, a Portuguese national, is believed to have moved to Greater Manchester around five years ago with his family.
He was described as a ‘doting’ dad to his four young girls.
It is understood Mr Moura’s partner remained in the family home during the incident and found out he had died when police called in the early hours of the morning.
She is said to be ‘distraught’ and was too upset to comment when contacted by the M.E.N.
Paying tribute to Mr Moura, neighbour Ian Loftus described him as ‘the nicest bloke.’ “I’m devastated,” he said. “When I heard he had died it made me feel sick.”
Resident Louise Skeffington added: “It’s just so sad.
“He was just a lovely guy. He was so welcoming to me when we moved here.
“They’re such a nice family - he doted on the girls. I feel heartbroken.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 0800 0294694 or email seventhavenue@policeconduct. gov.uk.