Woman dies in Derriford Hospital after 'medical episode' while in police custody

The woman was taken to Derriford Hospital where she later died. Credit: ITV News West Country

A woman has died in hospital after suffering a medical episode in police custody.

The woman, from Plymouth, was arrested and taken into custody at Charles Cross police station in the city on Friday afternoon.

Devon and Cornwall Police said she suffered a "medical episode" later that afternoon.

A force spokesman said custody staff and the health care practitioner "immediately attended and administered emergency treatment".

"An ambulance attended and the woman was taken to Derriford Hospital in a serious but stable condition; her next of kin were informed of this development," he said.

"Police have since been informed by Derriford that the woman was pronounced deceased late morning on Saturday July 4.

"A family liaison officer has been appointed.

"The force have informed the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as is mandatory in any case such as this and inquiries led by Devon and Cornwall Police continue."