Inquest into death of Derbyshire man who took ill after alleged assault opens

Two men have been bailed on suspicion of manslaughter

In inquest into the death of Mark McVey, who was allegedly assaulted, has been told he took ill while in police custody and died three days later in hospital.

The inquest, which was opened and adjourned for a full hearing later in the year, was told that Mr McVey, 48, died on Sunday, May 17, at Royal Derby Hospital.

He had been taken to the Derby hospital on Thursday, May 14, after becoming unwell while in police custody and he remained under police guard until his death.

He had been arrested in connection with the theft of a white Mercedes Benz Sprinter van in Swadlincote on Wednesday, May 13.

Police have said that the owner of the van had followed the Sprinter in a second vehicle and it pulled over further along Burton Road, near the junction with Sorrell Drive in the town.

It is understood Mr McVey was then assaulted, said a spokesman for Derbyshire police.

Two men were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm on Friday, May 15.

The same two men, were then arrested again on May 19, on suspicion of manslaughter following Mr McVey’s death, but have now been bailed while police inquiries continue.

The inquest opened on Friday, May 22, at Derby Coroner's Office was told Mr McVey was identified by his sister, who last saw and spoke to him on Wednesday, May 13.

Mr McVey, who lived on Regent Street in Church Gresley, was an industrial window cleaner.

A post mortem examination was carried out on May 17 and further tests are being carried out, the hearing was told.

Mr McVey died in the early hours of Sunday, May 17.

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A Derbyshire Police spokesman said: "Detectives are keen to speak with anyone who may have witnessed an assault.

"They would also like to hear from anyone who was driving in the area of Burton Road at the time, with dash-cam installed, as this may have captured the incident.

"Equally, anyone with private CCTV installed in the Burton Road/Sorrell Drive area is asked to contact us if they have any footage which may be helpful to our investigation."

The police investigation is ongoing and the coroner is awaiting details on the medical cause of Mr McVey's death.

The inquest has been adjourned and will be reviewed in six weeks.