Ellis Rocks died after he was arrested inside the Britannia Hotel in Wigan
10:40, 19 Aug 2025Updated 11:30, 19 Aug 2025
Ellis Rocks(Image: Paula Wilkie)
Five Greater Manchester Police officers are being investigated over possible misconduct following the death of Ellis Rocks.
The 26-year-old was found unresponsive in police custody after being arrested at a hotel in Wigan on Thursday, July 31.
He was rushed to hospital in the early hours of the following morning but tragically died on Sunday, August 3.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been running an independent investigation into the circumstances of what happened in the weeks since Mr Rocks’ death.
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In a major update update given this morning (August 19), the IOPC confirmed that two GMP officers are being investigated for potential gross misconduct, while three more are being investigated for possible misconduct.
Amanda Rowe, IOPC director, said: “We have been in contact with Mr Rocks’ family to update them on the progress of our investigation and have been informed of the latest development.
GMP HQ(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“Our thoughts remain with all family and friends and anyone affected by his death.
“While we’ve notified a number of officers they are under investigation, this does not mean that disciplinary proceedings will automatically follow.
“At the end of our investigation, we will determine whether any individuals should face disciplinary proceedings.”
Ellis arrested in Britannia Hotel
The IOPC says that Mr Rocks was detained after being approached by GMP officers inside the Britannia Hotel on Almond Brook Road, in Standish, at around 8.35pm on July 31. GMP previously stated Mr Rocks was arrested on suspicion of a drug offence and a suspected assault in London.
He was handcuffed and searched by attending officers at the scene before being transferred to custody, where he remained overnight.
An ambulance was called for Mr Rocks at around 2.30am on Friday, August 1, after he was found unresponsive and lying on the floor in a cell at Wigan police station. Mr Rocks tragically died in hospital two days later.
Wigan police station(Image: Greater Manchester Police)
The five officers involved have been informed by the IOPC they are being investigated for potential breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour.
An IOPC spokesperson said: “The serving of notices does not necessarily mean that disciplinary proceedings will follow.
“Our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death remains in its early stages, however no concerns have been identified at this time regarding any use of force by GMP officers.”
The IOPC says it has reviewed CCTV footage from the custody suite and officers’ body-worn video footage connected to the arrest of Mr Rocks.
Investigators have also spoken to GMP about receiving initial accounts from the officers involved.
Ms Rowe added: “It’s important that we continue to carry out an independent and thorough investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident.
“The family have asked for privacy and to not be approached by reporters at this difficult time. Please may I ask for their wishes to be respected.”
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In a tribute to her ‘beautiful boy’ shared publicly on Facebook following his death, mum Paula Wilkie said ‘nothing can fix this pain we feel’, adding: “We are broken as a family. May my little boy rest in peace.”
The force says it is continuing to support the IOPC’s investigation.