The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the death of Chad Allford, who died following a police incident on Wednesday (October 27).

A spokesperson for Derbyshire Constabulary said officers attended an address on Morewood Drive, Alfreton, at 5pm.

Chad Allford, 23, was detained and became unwell. He was taken to hospital by ambulance where he later died.

A spokesperson for the IOPC said it received a mandatory referral from Derbyshire Constabulary following the incident and began an independent investigation the same evening. Investigators attended the scene and the police post-incident procedure to begin its enquiries.

The investigation is examining the nature of the interaction between police officers and Mr Allford including whether any force was used in his detention, and how his welfare was handled when he became unwell.

Investigators are assessing initial accounts from the police officers involved and statements from other witnesses. The IOPC is also analysing police officers’ body worn video footage.

A post-mortem examination took place on Friday (October 29) be the findings have not been released.

IOPC Regional Director Derrick Campbell said: “Our thoughts are with the Mr Allford’s friends and family following this tragic incident and I offer my condolences to them at this difficult time.

“We have spoken with family members to explain our role and how the investigation will progress. They will receive regular updates.

“I would like to assure people that we will carry out a thorough and independent investigation into what took place.”

Derbyshire Constabulary said different accounts of the incident are circulating within the community and has asked for time to allow the independent investigators to determine what happened.

A spokesperson for the force said: “It is important that an independent investigation is carried out to determine the true events leading up to his death. The IOPC will update Mr Allford’s family on the progress of the investigation.

“Derbyshire Constabulary fully supports this investigation and are equally committed to ensuring there is an independent review. We are aware of numerous different accounts circulating within the community, relating to the events leading up to this tragic incident.

“However, we respectfully ask for time to allow the independent investigators to determine what happened. At the appropriate time, the findings will be made available. Again, we would like to appeal for any witnesses to come forward.

“We would like to reiterate that this investigation is fully independent of Derbyshire Constabulary.”

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