Sean Rigg

Vulnerable man dies in police custody

Imekusanywa kutoka vyanzo mbalimbali
4WardEver Uingereza – 17th Sept 2008
Updates habari yoyote juu ya kesi hii itakuwa waliotajwa katika mguu wa bidhaa hii

At approximately 7.15pm on Thursday 21st August 2008 police were responding to reports that Mr Rigg’s behaviour was causing concern to members of the public in the Atkins Road area of Brixton in the UK. He was subsequently arrested in nearby Weir Road on suspicion of public order offences and alleged assault on a police officer.

According to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), Sean became ill while being held in the custody suite. An ambulance was called.

While waiting for the ambulance, his condition deteriorated and he was given CPR. Sean was taken to King’s College Hospital in Central London, where he was pronounced dead at 9.24pm.

Sean’s sister Samantha later appealed for witnesses who may have seen Sean being arrested or in the police station. Alisema, “The family is deeply saddened by the sudden death of our brother while in police custody.”

The inquest into Sean’s death was opened and adjourned on, Alhamisi 28 Agosti 2008, at Southwark Coroner’s Court.

Human rights campaigns group, Black Mental Health UK, has condemned the use of police cells as places of safety for vulnerable people needing mental health care. The comments come as the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) Ripoti, published today examines the role of the police in relation to the use of Section 136 of the Mental Health Act.

This new report has brought to light that large numbers of vulnerable people are ending up in police cells, as temporary places of safety for people, after they have been arrested and are in need of health care.

Sean’s sister said her brother from Balham, London kusini, had mental health concerns but was otherwise healthy. “He had a mental illness but he was very fit. From the time of arrest to the time being brought into police custody he’s collapsed and died. We’ve not been told why. “We are being upright as a family and we have come down here ourselves to find answers. “All of us are shocked, numb, totally gutted. We are anxious, some of us are very angry,” she added.