Police watchdog launches probe into the conduct of four officers after a 25-year-old Oxford law student died in custody after being restrained in van
- Nuno Cardoso, 25, died after collapsing in the back of a Police van in November
- Complaints commission reviewing conduct of four Thames Valley Police officers
- Cardoso fifth young black man to die being restrained by police officers this year
An investigation has been launched into the conduct of four police officers after an aspiring lawyer died in their custody.
Student Nuno Cardoso, 25, collapsed after being restrained in Oxford during the early hours of November 24 while in the back of a police van.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said four Thames Valley Police officers involved in the incident were under investigation.
Officers were in the process of transporting Mr Cardoso, originally from London, to a police station when he became unwell.
Nuno Cardoso, 25, collapsed after being restrained in Oxford during the early hours of November 24 while in the back of a police van
The vehicle was stopped so that CPR could be administered, with additional officers arriving at the scene with a defibrillator, the IPCC said.
He was taken by ambulance to John Radcliffe Hospital where he died later that day.
The IPCC said body worn video footage of his arrest and the subsequent medical assistance he received, has been downloaded for analysis.
Four Thames Valley Police officers have also been served with notices confirming that their conduct is under investigation, in particular whether the decision to transport Mr Cardoso to custody rather than seek medical assistance at that point, was appropriate, the police watchdog said.
Mr Cardoso's mother, Doroteia dos Santos, said the number of deaths in police custody, particular of young black men, makes her 'worried that something is wrong'.
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'I have so many questions about how this could have happened to my son,' she said in a statement issued through the charity inquest.
'Police officers are meant to be trained to notice if people are unwell and to ensure that they can keep people in their custody safe.
'I trust that there will be a thorough investigation, and I believe that any failures can be found out and the people responsible held to account.
'I just want justice for my son.'
The IPCC said they were informed of the incident by Thames Valley Police, that investigators were sent to the scene and an independent investigation was launched.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said four Thames Valley Police officers involved in the incident were under investigation. Above, Thames Valley Police Station in Oxford
Investigators have met with Mr Cardoso's family to explain their role and regular updates will be provided to them and to HM Coroner throughout the investigation, the IPCC said.
Following Mr Cardoso's death, a post mortem was carried out on December 5, which the IPCC said proved inconclusive. Further tests will be carried out.
Associate Commissioner at the IPCC, Guido Liguori, said: 'My thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr Cardoso and all those affected by his death.
'The investigation, which is in its very early stages, will look at the full circumstances surrounding this incident.
'Anyone who witnessed the events surrounding Mr Cardoso's arrest or the medical treatment he received should contact the IPCC on 0800 029 4690.'
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