By James Simons-
Two Lincolnshire Police officers are being investigated for their conduct following the death of a man shortly after he was arrested.
The officers were involved in detaining a 37-year-old man in a holding cell at South Park Police Station in Lincoln in the early hours of 2 December 2025.
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The incident followed an arrest at the man’s home at around 12.50am for suspected misuse of the 999 system.
Officers then used force to arrest the man, including using a synthetic pepper spray.
He was handcuffed around his back and taken to custody in a caged police van.
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Minutes after being placed in a holding cell, the man became unresponsive.
Officers provided first aid and gave CPR but he was transferred to hospital and pronounced dead at 8.40am.
Lincolnshire Police referred the death to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) who began an investigation later that day.
Three members of the man’s family have complained to the IOPC about the actions of officers in the incident.
The IOPC say they are examining the interaction between the officers and the man at his home, the decision to take him to a police station and not a hospital, his transportation to custody and the short time he was in custody.
Nine officers were involved in the man’s arrest and detention.
The IOPC are investigating two of them – an acting Sergeant and a Police Constable – for potential breaches of police professional standards.
The two officers have been told they will also be interviewed under criminal caution for alleged unlawful act manslaughter.
Director of Engagement at the IOPC, Emily Barry, said: “My condolences go to the man’s family and friends for their loss. We are independently investigating what happened and will examine the actions and the decisions of the officers involved.
“The man required medical assistance shortly after arriving at the custody facility in Lincoln; it’s important we understand exactly what happened from the moment he was arrested.”
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