IPCC investigation in connection with Plymouth murder
Keith Dance was found dead at a house in Molesworth Road in Stoke on 11 March Credit: ITV News West Country
The Independent Police Commission has started an independent investigation into the involvement of police before the death of Keith Dance in Molesworth Road, Plymouth.
IPCC Commissioner Rachel Cerfontyne says,
"There is a criminal investigation being carried out by the police service and two people have been charged with Mr Dance's murder. The police investigation will take priority and we will make arrangements to share relevant evidence for the two separate investigations.
A man who was "restrained" by Devon and Cornwall Police before being taken into custody has died, the police watchdog confirmed.
Thomas Orchard was arrested by the force in Exeter city centre on October 3 on suspicion of a public order offence.
But he was later taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital when officers became concerned that the 32-year-old was not responding to them while in his cell.
An Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) spokesman said its investigation would aim to discover whether or not Mr Orchard's head injuries were sustained during his arrest. He died in hospital at 6pm on Wednesday, the IPCC said.
Eyewitnesses report hearing lots of shouting followed by the scene of a man being laid out on the ground on the corner of Paris Street and Sidwell Street, in Exeter yesterday. Police are describing this as a violent arrest.
The man was taken into custody where it's believed he collapsed and was taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital. He is described as being in a serious condition.
Eyewitness John Hunt spoke to our reporter Seth Conway.
We were notified by Devon and Cornwall Police of an incident in Exeter city centre yesterday where a man was taken to hospital after being arrested. The man remains in a serious condition. The IPCC deployed investigators yesterday to Exeter and an independent investigation is underway. We hope to issue further information today."
Devon and Cornwall Police are to be investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission. It follows the arrest of a man in the centre of Exeter yesterday. He was later taken ill and is in a serious condition in hospital. The incident was referred to the IPCC by the police force.
Police to be investigated following death of Plymouth man
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has been called in after a 62 year old man collapsed and died during a police investigation in Plymouth. It happened after he was stopped by officers in Wolseley Road yesterday afternoon [Thursday] following a routine incident.
