Man, 37, dies following 'medical episode' in custody at Swindon police station

A man who was being held in police custody in Swindon has died. 

Wiltshire Police confirmed Piotr Rak, 37, died on Sunday 19 May at Gablecross Police Station in Swindon. 

The force confirmed that Mr Rak was arrested in the early hours of 18 May on Fleet Street in the town on suspicion of being drunk while in his car.

"We understand Mr Rak was seen by police getting into the car which was stationary when officers approached", a spokesperson said.

They went on to say Mr Rak provided a positive breath test at the scene.

He was then taken to Gablecross Police Station around an hour after his arrest and Mr Rak was placed on regular observations by staff, according to the force.

It was shortly after 8am on Sunday 19 May that he was found to be experiencing a medical episode.

CPR was started and an ambulance and emergency helicopter arrived soon after.

Mr Rak was pronounced dead at the police station at 9am that morning.

The force has referred itself to the Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) following the death.

IOPC regional director Derrick Campbell said: “I send my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Rak for their sad loss.

"We have now met Mr Rak’s family and explained our role and how our investigation will progress.

"We will be examining police actions in taking Mr Rak into custody and the level of care provided to him over the around 30 hour period he was detained.

“We are independent of the police and it is important that we carry out an investigation to fully establish the circumstances when someone has died in police custody.”

"We will also be viewing CCTV from the custody suite and body worn video from officers who took part in Mr Rak’s arrest", he added.