Police watchdog investigates after man arrested in Hove suffered serious head injury

An investigation has started into how a man needed treatment for serious head injuries after being arrested in Hove.

The 44-year-old man was taken to the Sussex Police cells in Crowhurst Road, Hollingbury.

A nurse examined the detained man and he was then taken to hospital where he remains in a stable but critical condition.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said today (Thursday 21 June): “An independent investigation is under way into the brief period a man spent in police custody at a Sussex Police station.

“The investigation commenced on Monday 4 June following a mandatory referral from Sussex Police after the 44-year-old man was taken ill at Brighton custody suite.

“At around 5.45pm on Thursday 31 May the man was taken into police custody after being arrested by British Transport Police officers at Hove railway station on suspicion of a public order offence.

“While in custody the man was seen by a nurse and conveyed to hospital where it was established he had sustained serious head injuries.

“The circumstances of how the man was injured are being investigated by BTP but it is believed he fell on the station platform at Hove railway station.

“The independent investigation is looking at the circumstances surrounding the man being taken ill in police custody.

“Independent investigators are examining the circumstances of his arrest at Hove railway station, his transportation to Brighton custody suite and his detention.

“The man remains in hospital in a stable but critical condition.

“His partner and family are aware of the IPCC investigation.”

IPCC commissioner Mike Franklin said: “I will ensure our independent scrutiny is applied to Sussex Police’s handling of this detainee in order to be confident, if appropriate, lessons are learned as a result of this incident and if necessary make recommendations for forces to consider.

“A man remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital receiving medical treatment.”