Essex police officers face criminal investigation after man loses three fingertips during struggle in custody cell

 
Incident: Colchester police station (Picture: Google Street View)
Google Street View
Rachel Blundy22 July 2015
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Six police officers are facing a criminal investigation after a man lost three fingertips during a struggle in his custody cell.

The officers, all currently working for Essex Police, are alleged to have assaulted and used excessive force against the man as he grabbed onto a toilet at Colchester police station.

If the charges are proven, they could be found guilty of gross misconduct, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said today.

It is claimed that the man, who was taken into custody on April 30 on a public order offence, was restrained by police after officers found him standing with one foot in the metal toilet bowl.

His fingertips were severed and later found inside the toilet bowl but could not be reattached.

Investigators are set to probe why there was a five hour delay between the incident and the attempt to transport the fingertips to hospital for an operation, the BBC reported.

The incident on May 1 has led to one officer being placed on "restricted duties", Essex Police said.

A spokesman for Essex Police said the force would not comment further on the allegations.

She said: "Following an incident on May 1 during which a man was injured in Colchester Police Station, one officer was placed on restricted duties.

"It would be inappropriate to comment further while an IPCC investigation is underway."

A spokesman for the IPCC warned against "prejudging" the outcome of its investigation.

In a statement, he said: "The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has informed six serving Essex Police officers they are being criminally investigated in relation to an incident in which a man lost the tops of three fingers while in custody.

"IPCC investigators also informed those officers that they face an allegation of excessive force which, if proven, may amount to gross misconduct.

"The officers are being criminally investigated for the alleged offence of assault.

"Serving a police officer with a notice advises them their conduct is subject to investigation, it does not indicate or prejudge any outcome of the investigation."

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