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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National
Harriet Brewis

Simeon Francis death: Investigation launched after man dies in UK police custody

Simeon Francis, 35, was found unresponsive in his cell at Torquay police station (Picture: Jaggery/Geograph)

The police watchdog is investigating after the death of a man in custody in Devon.

Simeon Francis, 35, was found unresponsive in his cell at Torquay police station on May 20. He was later pronounced dead.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said Mr Francis was arrested at 12.45am that day on Cowley Bridge Road in Exeter.

He was driven in a police van to Torquay police station where he was booked into custody at around 3am.

IOPC regional director Catrin Evans said the watchdog had received a mandatory referral from Devon and Cornwall Police following Mr Francis’s death.

“Our thoughts are with Mr Francis’ family and friends following his death,” she said.

“We will be keeping his family updated during the course of our independent investigation.

“Our investigators have begun gathering evidence and statements from officers.

“We are analysing a considerable amount of CCTV footage from the custody suite.

“We are looking at the level of care provided during the period of detention, including the frequency and adequacy of checks carried out.”

An inquest into Mr Francis’s death was opened and adjourned last week by the Plymouth Coroner.

The IOPC said a preliminary post-mortem examination had taken place, but has not identified a cause of death and further tests will be carried out.

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