Extremely concerning footage has been released this week which shows the force used by GMP arresting officers just prior to Andre Moura’s death.

Mr Moura was arrested on the evening of the 5th July 2018 on suspicion of breaching the peace.

Greater Manchester Police officers used CS spray to restrain Mr Moura outside his home.

Extremely disturbing and upsetting footage has been released, filmed by a neighbour, of the arrest and restraint of Andre Moura, a father of four. Having watched this footage, it raises a number of concerns regarding whether the force used by officers was reasonable and the use of CS gas whilst detained in a police van.

Mr Moura can be heard screaming and asking for help whilst in the van and officers can be heard to threaten him with the CS spray again.

Mr Moura was taken to Ashton-under-Lyne police station and on arrival was ‘found unresponsive in the back of the police van’. He was then taken to Tameside hospital and sadly declared dead at 01:30am on the 6th July 2018.

The death is now being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The police watchdog is investigating a claim that Mr Moura was kneed in the head ‘several times’ by an officer before he died and looking into the neighbour’s allegation that the police waited ‘around 15 or 20 minutes’ after Mr Moura was put in the van before taking him to the police station.

Following the incident, ten officers involved in the arrest have been placed on restricted duties.

This is another example of restraint being used during an arrest which has potentially contributed to the death of an individual.

This case has similarities to other deaths in custody that the specialist team here have dealt with. The experience we have gathered suggests that the IOPC should immediately be interviewing each and every officer involved in the arrest independently and before there is any chance of collusion between the officers in their accounts of this tragic event.

Here at Farleys, our experienced Inquest team have acted for a number of families where loved ones have died as a result of police restraint.

It is important that your concerns surrounding the death of your family member are appropriately addressed. We understand the distress and anguish that a death of a family member can cause. We can provide advice, assistance, and representation to ensure that you are fully supported throughout such a difficult time.

For legal advice regarding the death of a loved one please don’t hesitate to contact our experienced Inquest department on 0845 287 0939 or alternatively you can email us.