IOPC investigation launched after man's death in police custody

Picture courtesy of Google Street View

Inspectors from the Independent Office for Police Conduct have launched their investigation into the death of an Oldham man while he was being transferred to Ashton Police Station in Tameside last Friday evening (July 6).

The victim has been formally identified as 30-year-old Andre Moura, who was originally from Portugal but had been living in Greater Manchester for the past five years.

Mr Moura died after Greater Manchester Police officers responded to reports of a domestic incident at around 11:30pm on Friday, July 6, in Seventh Avenue, Limeside (pictured above).

Officers restrained Mr Moura using CS spray when they arrested him outside his address. He was then taken via police van to Ashton-under-Lyne police station where he was found to be unresponsive.

An ambulance was called and Mr Moura was taken to Tameside Hospital where sadly he was confirmed to have died at around 1.30am on Saturday, July 7.

A post mortem was carried out on Saturday but this was inconclusive. Further tests, including a toxicology report, will be carried out to help determine the cause of Mr Moura’s death.

Following a referral by Greater Manchester Police, our investigators attended the scene and the police station and conducted house to house enquiries. We have recovered CCTV footage, police officer body worn video, and mobile phone footage of the incident from an independent witness.

IOPC Regional Director Amanda Rowe said: “I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Mr Moura’s family and friends and anyone affected by this tragic incident.

"Our team has been in contact with Mr Moura’s partner to explain our role, offer advice and support, and to outline the next steps of our independent investigation.

"We will also be in contact with Mr Moura’s family in Portugal.

“I would like to thank those who have spoken with us during our house to house enquiries – this really helps us to build a picture of what happened late on Friday evening.

"I would urge anyone who may have further information, or footage of the incident, to come forward and talk to us.”

Anyone who thinks they may have information to help the investigation can call 0800 029 4694 or email: seventhavenue@policeconduct.gov.uk

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.