The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has reopened its investigation into the death of a man in police custody.

Musician Sean Rigg, 40, who suffered from schizophrenia, died in police custody after he was arrested in Weir Road, Balham, 2008

An initial investigation by the police watchdog in 2008 found there was no wrong doing, but last year an inquest jury ruled police used an "unsuitable" amount of force when they arrested the musician.

A review into the first investigation was launched in June 2013, with plans to reopen the investigation if any issues requiring further evidence arose.

The review looked into whether any officer should be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service regarding the arrest, restraint and detention of Mr Rigg.

Mary Cuneen, IPCC commissioner, said: "I have consulted with Mr Rigg's family, the officers involved in the arrest, restraint and detention of Mr Rigg, the Metropolitan Police Service and the forensic medical examiner (FME) that I was minded to reopen the investigation and last month informed them that we have now done so.

"I appreciate that it has now been over five years since Mr Rigg's death and that his family, the officers involved and the FME will be anxious that we proceed as quickly as possible.

"Having taken the decision to reopen the investigation, the team has already begun to recover and analyse evidence and will be obtaining further statements from a number of people."

The Metropolitan Police Service has said it intends to seek a judicial review of the decision to reopen the investigation without a court order quashing the original findings.

 

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