Family of black man who died in police custody seek answers
The family of a black man who died after being in police custody for less than 24 hours are now seeking answers for his death.
Simeon Francis, 35, was originally from Birmingham but moved to Torquay 16 years ago.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) are investigating the father-of-one's death.
The IOPC said Mr Francis was arrested at 12.45am on May 20 on Cowley Bridge Road in Exeter and was taken into police custody at 3am.
Mr Francis was found unresponsive in his cell at Torquay police station later,where an ambulance was called. He was pronounced dead at around 6pm.
His father, who lives in Birmingham, said his family are struggling to come to terms with his death.
The IOPC said the watchdog had received a mandatory referral from Devon and Cornwall Police following Mr Francis's death and it was investigating thecircumstances.
They said that they are now analysing CCTV footage from the custody suite and are "looking at the level of care provided during the period of detention,including the frequency and adequacy of checks carried out".
It's been reported that there has been no identified cause of death following a preliminary post-mortem examination and further tests will be carried out.
Des Jaddoo, a community campaigner who is supporting the Francis family, said:
"Devon and Cornwall Police must be held to account as to what happened to Mr Francis whilst he was in their custody and their duty of care towards him".
"The family's request is a simple one. Why is Simeon dead?"
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