PIRC launches investigations into two deaths

The Police Investigations & Review Commissioner (PIRC) has begun two new investigations.

One investigation will examine the circumstances leading up to the death in custody of a 24-year-old man.

The second relates to the death of James Richardson, 29, from Craigneuk, Wishaw, Lanarkshire. This investigation will focus on the initial response by police following a report of concern about Mr Richardson’s welfare.

Reports into the findings of both investigations will be submitted to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) in due course.

On the first investigation, a spokesman for the PIRC said: “The Police Investigations & Review Commissioner (PIRC) has been instructed by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) to conduct an investigation into the circumstances leading up to the death in custody of a 24-year-old man.

“The man became ill after being taken to Falkirk Police Office on Monday 11 July 2016.

“He was then transferred to Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert, but later died on Thursday 14 July 2016.

“A report into the findings of the investigation will be submitted to the COPFS in due course.”

On the second investigation, a spokesman for the PIRC said: “The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has instructed the Police Investigations & Review Commissioner (PIRC) to undertake an investigation after the body of James Richardson, 29, was discovered in the Forteviot area of Perthshire on 12 July 2016.

“The investigation will focus on the initial police response following a report of concern made about the man’s welfare.

“A report on the Commissioner’s findings will be submitted to the COPFS in due course.”