The death of 28‑year‑old Ricky Swindells in Salford on 24 July is the subject of an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), after he stopped breathing following a period in which officers placed him in handcuffs.
What happened
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said its officers were called to Duchy Road after Swindells' family raised concerns that he was experiencing a mental health episode and had been violent. The force has confirmed it referred itself to the IOPC and is supporting the watchdog's inquiry.
| Time (BST) | Event |
|---|---|
| 19:49 | Officers arrived at the address |
| 19:52 | Swindells was placed in handcuffs |
Scope of the IOPC inquiry
The watchdog says it will examine the officers' decision‑making and consider the necessity, proportionality and rationale for using handcuffs. It has reviewed body‑worn camera footage of the incident, which reportedly contains material showing officers stating they were restraining Swindells "for his own safety".
“We will carefully examine the actions and decision making of officers involved - including the restraint used in this case,”
The initial post‑mortem examination did not establish a definitive cause of death. Further forensic work, including toxicology analysis, is ongoing.
Family and force accounts
The IOPC said Swindells' family told officers on arrival that he was autistic and in significant distress, and that they were on the phone to the ambulance service. GMP has stated its officers found him "in crisis on the floor", describing him as appearing distressed, agitated and a potential risk to himself, and said they were aiming to de‑escalate.
- Agency investigating: Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)
- Force involved: Greater Manchester Police (GMP) — self‑referred
- Ongoing forensic work: Post‑mortem inconclusive; toxicology tests continuing
Local impact and wider context
Deaths following police contact, particularly where mental health and disability are factors, raise immediate questions about how emergency services manage crises. The IOPC investigation will determine whether the use of restraint complied with legal and professional standards and whether alternative approaches could have been used.
For local residents, the inquiry means there will be a formal and independent review of what happened in this incident. The outcome may lead to further police, clinical or procedural recommendations, and any findings will be central to answering questions from the family and the wider community about the handling of mental health crises.
Further details will become available as the IOPC publishes findings and as forensic results are completed. The watchdog has emphasised it will carry out a thorough investigation to establish the facts and provide answers to the family’s questions.
