An independent investigation has been commenced
21:29, 03 Aug 2025Updated 21:38, 03 Aug 2025
The Britannia Hotel in Standish where Mr Rocks was arrested on Thursday evening(Image: ABNM Photography)
An investigation is underway after a man died after being found collapsed whilst in police custody in Greater Manchester.
Ellis Rocks, 26, was arrested by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers at the Britannia Hotel on Almond Brook Road, Standish, Wigan, at about 8.35pm on Thursday, with police saying officers were called to a man was trying to deal drugs at a premises in the town.
He was also wanted by police in London in connection with an alleged assault, GMP said.
He was handcuffed and searched by officers at the scene before being transferred to custody, according to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Mr Rocks remained in custody overnight and an ambulance was called by detention officers at about 2.30am on Friday after he was seen to be unresponsive and lying on the floor of a cell, the watchdog said.
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After paramedics arrived, he was taken to hospital, but he suffered a cardiac arrest en route and resuscitation was commenced.
He died in hospital at 7.20am on Sunday morning.
IOPC investigators were deployed in the early hours of Friday after GMP referred themselves to the watchdog.
GMP referred themselves to the police watchdog, who are now investigating(Image: MEN Media)
An independent investigation was then declared at 10.18am on Sunday.
The IOPC said it has reviewed CCTV from the custody suite and body-worn video footage from officers involved in the arrest.
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It has also been in touch with the force about receiving initial accounts from the officers, they added.
A spokesperson said: “This was a tragic incident in which Mr Rocks has sadly died and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
“GMP referred this matter to us, and as he was in the custody of police at the time he became unwell, it is important there is a thorough and independent investigation.
We will examine all relevant matters including the interaction officers had with Mr Rocks during his detention and what happened after he arrived at the custody suite.
“We have made contact with his family to explain our role and will update them as our inquiries progress.”
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “Our thoughts are with the family of Ellis who have endured the most heartbreaking last few days. What is most important is that they get all the answers to what has led to his death. We will fully cooperate with the IOPC’s enquiries.
“Incidents where someone sadly dies following police contact are rare but are nevertheless deeply impactful for that person’s loved ones. It is important following a death in our custody that a thorough and independent investigation takes place, and I urge people to not rush to judgement before the full facts are established.”