Review ordered into police custody death

The Home Secretary is to announce a review into the death of a former paratrooper who died in the custody of Humberside Police six years ago, the BBC has reported today.

David Blunkett will ask the newly created Independent Police Complaints Commission to look into the death, according to reports.

The case has been highlighted by the BBC's decision to broadcast footage from a CCTV camera showing the final moments of Christopher Alder. The footage will appear in 'Death On Camera' on BBC1 tonight at 9pm.

Mr Alder, 37, was assaulted outside a nightclub in Hull in the early hours of 1 April 1998. He was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary where medical staff attempted to treat him.

Police officers arrested Mr Alder at the hospital to prevent a breach of the peace. He was taken to Queens Gardens Police Station, in Hull, and between 10 and 15 minutes after arriving there, he died.

According to Humberside police "strenuous efforts" were made by both police and paramedic staff to revive Mr Alder. It was later established that the former soldier has died from asphyxia after choking on his own blood and vomit.

Since his death, there has been an Inquest, a criminal trial and a Police Discipline Hearing all of which, to varying degrees, have tried to establish what happened to him, the spokesperson added.

All the officers who faced trial over the case were cleared of manslaughter and misconduct charges. They were also cleared of neglect of duty in a discipline hearing.

Humberside Police has since introduced changes to better safeguard the needs of those in custody.

Humberside Deputy Chief Constable Steve Love said: "Christopher Alder's death has been a tragedy. Many people have been affected deeply by his passing but none more so than his immediate family.

"In terms of the impact upon the police officers and their families, it is true to say that this has been quite enormous. Their lives have been deeply affected.

"All of the officers deeply regret the death of Christopher Alder. All have faced a criminal trial and a discipline hearing and all have been acquitted of any wrong doing."

The BBC has the backing of the Alder family, who are calling for a public inquiry into the death, in broadcasting the CCTV footage.

Humberside police, which did not supply the footage, said: "We firmly believe that a film which portrays someone dying is not for public viewing."

(gmcg)