Police Officers Suspended As IPCC Investigates Death Of Leon Briggs

12 November 2013, 09:17 | Updated: 12 November 2013, 09:25

Officers under investigation in connection with the death of a man in custody in Luton, have been suspended while the police watchdog investigates what happened.

The Bedfordshire police officers under investigation in connection with the death in custody of Leon Briggs have been suspended from duty.

Mr Briggs, described by his family as a ''kind, loyal, intelligent'' father, died after being detained at Luton police station under the Mental Health Act on Monday 4th November. 

Mr Briggs was arrested by officers from Bedfordshire Police when members of the public reported concerns about his behaviour. Upon falling ill, he was taken from the station to Luton and Dunstable Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

In a statement Chief Constable Colette Paul said: "Their suspension in no way jumps to any conclusion about the outcome of the investigation but ensures absolute assurance of neutrality and transparency as the IPCC [Independent Police Complaints Commission] investigation progresses.

"The suspension of each member of staff will remain under constant review.

"We continue to co-operate with the investigation to help provide Mr Briggs' family, the Coroner and the IPCC with accurate information about how and why Mr Briggs died.

"I want to express my sympathy to the family of Leon Briggs at this difficult time. Mr Briggs' family are being supported by IPCC family liaison managers at this sad time."