Ellis Rocks, a 26-year-old man, was arrested by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) at the Britannia Hotel in Standish, Wigan, on the evening of August 1, 2025, on suspicion of drug offenses and an assault that occurred in London.

Tragically, Rocks was found unresponsive in police custody, prompting the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to initiate an investigation into his death.

As part of the investigation, IOPC is reviewing CCTV footage from the custody suite and body-worn video from the officers involved in the arrest.

Despite paramedics' efforts to resuscitate him, Rocks suffered a cardiac arrest while being transported to the hospital and was pronounced dead at 7:20 AM on August 3, 2025.

Upon arrival at the scene, paramedics found Rocks lying on the floor of his cell, where resuscitation efforts were initiated.

In light of the circumstances surrounding Rocks' death, an IOPC spokesperson emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation, while GMP's Assistant Chief Constable expressed condolences to Rocks' family.

GMP referred the case to the IOPC, underscoring the necessity of an independent investigation following a death in custody.

Following a mandatory referral from GMP, IOPC investigators were deployed early Friday, and a formal independent investigation was announced on Sunday at 10:18 AM.