09/08/2005
For Immediate Release

IPCC to independently investigate Plumstead death in custody

The Independent Police Complaints Commission is to carry out an independent investigation into the death of local man Paul Coker (date of birth: 9 July 1973) in custody on 6 August 2005 in Plumstead, Southeast London.

Metropolitan Police Service officers attended an address in Plumstead in the early hours of 6 August following reports of a disturbance. Mr Coker was arrested and taken to Plumstead police station. A forensic physician and an ambulance were called to the station but despite efforts to revive him he was declared dead at 6.45am.

An IPCC Deputy Senior Investigator was deployed to the scene following the referral.

IPCC Commissioner Mehmuda Mian Pritchard said:

"Our investigators will be meeting Paul Coker's family tomorrow. On behalf of the IPCC I should like to send my condolences to the family."

“I have agreed that the IPCC will investigate this tragic death independently.

“We will ensure that any inquiry is thorough and impartial.”

The inquiry will report to HM Coroner who will hold the public inquest. The inquest opened today and was adjourned.

ENDS

Notes for editors

• The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is the body with overall responsibility for the new police complaints system in England and Wales.
• The IPCC is committed to getting closer to the communities it serves.  It has regional offices in Cardiff, Leicestershire, London and Manchester plus a sub office in Wakefield. Commissioners are regionally based and supported by 84 independent investigators, as well as case workers and specialist support staff.
• The IPCC web site is constantly updated at www.ipcc.gov.uk or members of the public can contact the IPCC on 08453 002 002.

For further information please contact:

David Nicholson, IPCC Press Officer on 020 7166 3250 or the out-of-hours duty press officer on 07717 851157.