By James Simons-
A police watchdog is investigating an allegation against Manchester Police that a man found dead on a road in Wigan had been assaulted while in police custody.
Gareth Roper, 35, was found on Lily Lane at about 04:30 GMT on 1 January. The IOPC said it would look at “actions and decision-making of officers”.
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Greater Manchester Police said it was “wholly committed” to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation to “fully understand” the circumstances prior to his death..
GMP said it had referred itself to the IOPC according to standard procedure, due to officers having previous contact with Mr Roper. Greater Manchester Police like many polices forces in the country are known to be heavy handed, but deaths in custody .
Greater Manchester Police have had more deaths in custody than almost any other police force in the UK, and is notorious for misconduct among its officers.
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An IOPC spokesman said: “We are currently independently investigating four Greater Manchester Police officers who had contact with Gareth Roper in the hours before his death in Bamfurlong, Wigan, on 1 January.”
The inquiry would examine “actions and decision-making” during Mr Roper’s arrest “including any considerations for his welfare”, he said.
“We are also looking into an allegation that Mr Roper was assaulted while in custody.
“We will be reviewing evidence including police body-worn video and CCTV footage, as well as radio transmissions, as part of our inquiries.
“Our thoughts remain with Mr Roper’s loved ones and all those affected by his death.”
The IOPC did not respond to a request by The Eye Of Media.Com as to why it has taken nearly six weeks for the IOPC’s investigation to begin.
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