IPCC appeals for witnesses following Exeter arrest

The Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigating an arrest made by Devon and Cornwall Police in Exeter yesterday. A 32-year-old man was restrained and arrested on suspicion of a public order offence at the junction between the High Street and Paris Street.

He later became unresponsive in custody and was taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. He is being treated for serious head injuries.

The IPCC is appealing for any witnesses who may have seen a man dressed in dark clothing, a baseball cap and glasses in the centre of the city. It's thought he spoke to a number of people before his arrest.

This incident unfolded in a busy part of Exeter city centre yesterday morning and it is important for our independent investigation that anyone who witnessed events or saw or spoke to the man before police attended to come forward. This was a very serious incident involving several police officers and a man is now in a serious condition in hospital. We are reviewing relevant CCTV footage of the city centre and are anxious for the public’s help in determining exactly what happened.

Witnesses can contact the IPCC in confidence on 0800-096-9077 or email exeter@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk.