The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the tragic death of Mikias Tekeste on July 15, 2023. Earlier that day, Mr. Tekeste was arrested after being recalled to 123, a policing protocol for individuals under supervision.
Disturbing CCTV footage from inside the police van showed Mr. Tekeste removing items from his clothing and ingesting them. Later that evening, he was found unwell in his cell. Officers administered first aid and called an ambulance, but despite life-saving efforts, Mr. Tekeste sadly died.
The IOPC’s ongoing inquiry, often referred to as a 123 investigation, has so far found no evidence of inappropriate police use of force. The Metropolitan Police are fully cooperating with the probe. Officers involved have been placed on restricted duties during the investigation.
Deaths following police interaction deeply affect families and communities. The public continues to call for a full and transparent inquiry to understand what happened. Our hearts go out to Mikias Tekeste’s family during this devastating time.
Originally published by UKNIP.
