Family of man who died after being handcuffed by police following 999 call ‘devastated’, solicitor says as IOPC probe continues

Ricky Swindells died last week. An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) probe is underway.

Ricky Swindells(Image: Ison Harrison Solicitors)

The family of a man who died after being handcuffed by police following a 999 call are ‘devastated’, their solicitor said as a watchdog investigation continued.

Ricky Swindells, 28, was restrained by officers last Friday (July 24) after they attended a property on Duchy Road, Salford. A report of concern for Mr Swindells’ welfare was made, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said. During the call, at around 7.40pm, his family said he was autistic and in ‘significant distress’.

Police handcuffed Mr Swindells. Body worn camera footage shows officers saying that was done for his own safety, the watchdog said.

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Mr Swindells then became unresponsive, the IOPC said, before receiving treatment at the scene. Officers began CPR at 8pm and paramedics arrived seven minutes later, the watchdog added. Officers gave CPR before North West Ambulance Service personnel took over.

Mr Swindells was taken to hospital, where he died the next day, Saturday, July 25. Greater Manchester Police said it is supporting the investigation. The force said Mr Swindells was ‘restrained by officers responding to a report by family members of a man in crisis’.

“The information provided to responding officers was that a man was having [a] potential mental health episode, had been violent and that the family needed assistance to restrain him,” GMP added.

The results of a post mortem were inconclusive. Further forensic investigations – including toxicology tests – are ongoing to determine the cause of Mr Swindell’s death.

The Manchester Evening News contacted Mr Swindells’ family for comment. A loved one challenged GMP’s statement, insisting Mr Swindells was not violent during the incident.

The family’s solicitor Gareth Naylor has now released a statement. In it, he said Mr Swindells’ loved ones had been left ‘devastated’ by his death. “He was a much-loved son, brother, uncle and friend, and his loss has left his family heartbroken,” he added.

Mr Naylor said the family ‘support[s] both processes’ – the IOPC probe and a separate coronial investigation – ‘and expect[s] them to be thorough, independent and transparent’.

Ricky Swindells(Image: GoFundMe)

His statement added: “At this stage, the family does not seek to pre-judge the outcome. The medical cause of Ricky’s death has not yet been established and a number of serious questions remain unanswered.

“Before police attended, emergency services had reportedly been informed that Ricky was a vulnerable, autistic man who was in significant distress.

“The family requested assistance as Ricky was experiencing a mental health crisis. They expected support, care and appropriate safeguarding for Ricky.

“However, when officers arrived, they handcuffed Ricky and restrained him on the ground until he became unresponsive, despite cries and pleas from family members.

“The family is not asking anyone to reach conclusions before the evidence has been examined. They are asking for all relevant evidence to be secured, disclosed and scrutinised, so that the truth of what happened to Ricky can be established.

“Ricky was a unique and much-loved person. The family want him to be remembered not only for the circumstances of his death, but for the life he lived and the place he held in the hearts of those who loved him.

“The family are grateful for the support and condolences they have received. They ask that their privacy is respected while the independent investigation and coronial proceedings continue.

“The family will not be making any further comment on the circumstances of Ricky’s death at this stage.”

Earlier, GMP said officers were told Mr Swindells ‘was having [a] potential mental health episode, had been violent and that the family needed assistance to restrain him’.

Officers arrived at 7.49pm and ‘were at the scene for 10 minutes where they attempted to work with the family to deescalate the situation’, the force added.

A GMP statement read: “A 28-year-old man was presenting as in crisis on the floor, and appeared to be in distress, agitated and a potential risk to himself.

GMP HQ in Newton Heath(Image: Manchester Evening News)

“While detained, officers continued to try and bring calm to the incident. They became concerned for the man’s breathing at 7.59pm. Officers identified he was breathing but unresponsive, through the provision of first aid.

“They began to commence CPR at 8pm. Officers continued with CPR for 14 minutes, during which time paramedics arrived at 8.07pm to begin to assist the officers.

“He was later taken to hospital by paramedics where he remained over the weekend. He sadly passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning.”

Due to police contact with Mr Swindells prior to his death, a mandatory referral was made to the IOPC. “Our Professional Standards Directorate have made initial enquiries including reviewing all available body-worn video and other available footage,” GMP added.

The IOPC said: “From an initial review of the available body-worn video footage, we have established that relatives were on the phone to the ambulance service at the point police arrived.

“As part of our investigation, we will consider the actions and decision-making of the officers, including the necessity, proportionality and rationale for the decision to handcuff Mr Swindells,” a statement added.

The probe will look at the ‘full circumstances’ surrounding the incident, the IOPC said, ‘including the use of restraint, the police response and medical intervention once it became apparent he had become unresponsive’.

IOPC director of engagement Amanda Rowe added: “Our thoughts are with Mr Swindells’ family and loved ones, as well as all those affected by his death.

“Our investigation will be entirely independent of the police and ensure we understand events surrounding his detention. We will carefully examine the actions and decision making of officers involved – including the restraint used in this case.

“This was clearly an extremely distressing incident and our investigation will be thorough to help establish the facts and get answers to the family’s questions. Our findings will be shared with the coroner in due course.”

Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker said: “This is a really distressing time for all concerned – particularly the family of the man who has sadly passed away after this incident. We are doing what we can to establish what happened to answer any questions they will have.

“Our officers attended to try to help what was a complex and challenging circumstance. We are ensuring they are getting the support they need at this time.

“It is vital that this a proper investigation, independent of the police, is able to be carried out. We are fully assisting with the IOPC’s enquiries and are committed to accountability to help ensure the facts are established.”