The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an independent inquiry into the death of Ricky Swindells, a 28-year-old man who became unresponsive after being restrained by officers at a property in Salford on 24 July.
What happened at the scene
According to the IOPC, Greater Manchester Police attended an address on Duchy Road after a 999 call at about 7.40pm reporting concern for Mr Swindells’ welfare. Family members told officers he was autistic and in "significant distress".
- Officers used handcuffs when restraining Mr Swindells; body-worn camera footage reportedly records officers saying this was done for his own safety.
- He became unresponsive at the scene and was given medical treatment.
- Police commenced CPR at about 8.00pm; paramedics from the North West Ambulance Service arrived around 8.07pm.
- Mr Swindells was transferred to hospital and died the following day, 25 July.
Investigation and official responses
The IOPC confirmed it will examine the circumstances of his detention, including the restraint used. Greater Manchester Police said the force is supporting the independent probe and described officers’ actions as a response to a report from family members of a person in crisis.
“Our thoughts are with Mr Swindells’ family and loved ones, as well as all those affected by his death. Our investigation will be entirely independent of the police and ensure we understand events surrounding his detention. We will carefully examine the actions and decision-making of officers involved – including the restraint used in this case.”
The IOPC statement makes clear the cause of death has not been confirmed publicly and that the watchdog will aim to establish the facts and provide answers to the family.
Local impact and context
Deaths following police contact are rare but draw immediate scrutiny because of the safeguards and protocols that apply when officers deal with people in mental health crisis, including those who are autistic. The IOPC routinely investigates instances where restraint precedes a death to determine whether policing actions complied with law and policy and whether lessons should be learned.
| Key times (24 July) | Event |
|---|---|
| ~7:40pm | 999 call reporting concern for welfare; family say Mr Swindells was autistic and distressed |
| 7:49pm | Officers arrive at the property (force timeline) |
| ~7:59pm | Officers identify breathing but unresponsive; first aid provided |
| 8:00pm | Police begin CPR; paramedics join at ~8:07pm |
| 25 July | Mr Swindells dies in hospital |
Community concern often focuses on how police interact with people experiencing mental health emergencies and on the training officers receive to recognise and respond to autistic behaviours. The IOPC’s investigation will look at decision-making, restraint techniques used and whether procedures were followed.
What happens next
The IOPC will conduct a full, independent examination of the incident. Greater Manchester Police has indicated it will cooperate with the watchdog. There is no public confirmation yet of a cause of death or of any disciplinary or criminal outcomes; those determinations will follow the investigation’s findings.
Anyone with information about the incident who could assist the inquiry should contact the IOPC as requested in their public statement.
