IPCC and Sussex police seek witnesses to Brighton incident

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is conducting an independent investigation into an incident which occurred in Brighton last weekend. This incident is also the subject of a seperate investigation by police.

Both are appealing for witnesses to the incident involving  Garry Thomas Reynolds, aged 39, from Southwick on March 2. Mr Reynolds is currently in hospital where he is in a critical condition.

It is understood that Mr Reynolds spent Saturday evening, 1 March, at a private birthday party at the Rock public house, in Rock Street, Kemp Town, Brighton.

He is thought to have left the Rock at about midnight, turning left and walking towards Chesham Road. Police are appealing for anyone who saw Mr Reynolds between midnight  and 1.50am to come forward.

Mr Reynolds was picked up by a taxi driver in Eastern Road, Brighton, at around 1.50am. At about 2.35am the taxi driver stopped his vehicle in West Street to ask for asisstance from police officers on duty there. Mr Reynolds was subsequently arrested.

He was taken to Brighton Custody Centre and placed in a cell. Later that morning, shortly after 11.00am, Mr Reynolds was found to be seriously ill in his cell. Police requested an ambulance. He was taken to hospital where his condition remains critical.

The incident is now the subject of two investigations. Police are investigating what happened to Mr Reynolds in the period up to 2.35am. The IPCC is investigating what happened to Mr Reynolds after he came into contact with police.

Mr Reynolds is described as 6ft 1in tall, thin, with ginger hair and one missing front tooth. He was reported to have a 'blown' pupil, which made it appear as if  one of his eyes was entirely white. He may have been wearing a charcoal grey full length crombie coat.

A recent photograph of Garry Reynolds

Police are asking anyone who saw him in Brighton between midnight and 1.50am on Sunday morning, or who has any information about his wherabouts, to contact them on 0845 60 70 999, quoting Operation Flansham.

Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where they do not have to leave their name.

The IPCC  wants to hear from witnesses in West Street who may have seen Mr Reynolds arrival in the taxi and his subsequent arrest. They are asked to call 0800 096 9071 or email brighton.witnessappeal@ipcc.gov.uk

IPCC Commissioner Nicola Williams said: "We urgently need to hear from anyone who may have seen anything of this incident which happened at a time when the town centre was busy with revellers."

ENDS

Notes for editors

The IPCC has overall responsibility for the police complaints system. Since April 2006 it has taken on responsibility for similar, serious complaints against HM Revenue and Customs and the Serious Organised Crime Agency in England and Wales.

The IPCC has the task of increasing public confidence in the complaint systems and aims to make investigations more open, timely, proportionate and fair.

The 17 Commissioners who run the IPCC guarantee its independence and by law can never have served as police officers. No Commissioner has worked for HM Revenue and Customs. They are supported by more than 100 independent IPCC investigators, as well as case workers and specialist support staff.

Since April 1 2004 the IPCC has used its powers to begin 158 independent and 517 managed investigations into the most serious complaints against the police. It has set new standards for police forces to improve the way the public's complaints are handled. The Commission also handles appeals by the public about the way their complaint was dealt with by the local force.

The IPCC is committed to getting closer to the communities it serves. Its Commissioners and staff are based in IPCC regional offices in Cardiff, Coalville, London and Sale plus a sub office in Wakefield.

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 contact:

James Henderson
Regional Communications Officer
Tel: 020 7166 3130
Journalists out of hours 07717 851157
email: james.henderson@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk