Investigation into custody death of mentally ill man

A criminal investigation has been launched by the Independent Police Complaints Commission into eight Surrey police officers and two other staff after the death of Terry Smith, BBC News reports. Mr Smith was arrested for a drug offence by Surrey Police but was detained under the Mental Health Act. The 10 involved have been suspended from active duty after Mr Smith became ill and died about 24 hours after he was detained.

The criminal investigation was launched just days after Lord Victor Adebowale, Chief Executive of Turning Point, called for the practice of using police cells for mental health related illness to be brought to an end.