Man who died in custody at Chesterfield Police Station named

Shaun Aherne, 42, became unwell following his arrest at Pleasley on Sunday 7 January after officers responded to a reported domestic incident.

Soon after his arrival at Chesterfield Custody Suite Mr Aherne became unwell and just before 3pm an ambulance took him to Chesterfield Royal Hospital. He died there last Wednesday evening (10 January).

An initial post mortem examination was carried out on Saturday (13 January) and the results of further tests are awaited.

Following a mandatory referral from the force on the day Mr Aherne was arrested our investigators went to the police post incident procedures. Police officers and staff who had contact with Mr Aherne have provided initial accounts and the IOPC is reviewing CCTV footage from the custody unit and body worn video.

IOPC Regional Director for the Midlands, Derrick Campbell, said:

“We have a responsibility to independently investigate the death of someone in the custody of police and our investigation, which is in its early stages, will thoroughly examine all the evidence gathered in order to establish what happened.

“We have now met Mr Aherne’s family to express our condolences and to explain how our investigation will be progressed. We have also assured them that they will be provided with regular updates.”

HM Coroner for Derbyshire has been notified and an inquest will be opened on a date to be fixed.

A man who died after becoming unwell shortly after being taken into custody in Derbyshire has been named as Shaun Aherne.