Stockport Teen Death Inquiry

5 April 2013, 12:05 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

The Independent Police Complaints Commission is to investigate how Greater Manchester Police dealt with a teenager from Stockport after his arrest for drink driving.

17-year-old Joe Lawton took his own life two days after he was held at Cheadle Heath police station last August.

The IPCC stepped in following pressure from Joe's parents, who had expressed concerns about the way their son had been treated.

Joe's death has also prompted the Lawton family to pursue a change in the law to allow 17-year-olds to be treated as adults in custody. 

The IPCC investigation will focus on how Joseph was dealt with in custody and in particular the risk assessment process by the custody suite staff.

IPCC Commissioner James Dipple-Johnstone said: "This was a tragic set of circumstances and my deepest sympathies go out to Joseph's family.

"I have decided it is appropriate for the IPCC to conduct an independent investigation focused on how Joseph was dealt with while in custody and whether the relevant policies and procedures were followed.”