Full report published after man left naked in Hull police cell for hours

The Independent Police Complaints Commission was called in to investigate how officers dealt with the 49-year-old Russian man – referred to as Mr W – after his arrest in Hull in February 2014.

It led to disciplinary action against five Humberside Police officers and an apology to the man, who was arrested after what turned out to be a false report.

The full report shows inspectors considered evidence on a number of issues, including why he was taken to Clough Road police station rather than hospital, why he was left naked in the cell, and whether his ethnicity and lack of English had been a factor.

Lead investigator Mohammed Ejaz said: “A reasonable tribunal properly directed could conclude, from the CCTV footage of the search and seizure of Mr W’s clothing, that he was not afforded basic dignity and was left in pain and vulnerable despite a custody officer, two police officers and two detention officers observing his condition at the time.”

The report found it was appropriate for Mr W to be taken to the station, but he was insufficiently examined before being booked into custody, and decisions and risk assessments made subsequently were “grossly deficient.”

It said Mr W’s treatment was more likely a result of the misconception that he was being uncooperative rather than suffering serious injuries, and there was insufficient evidence that it was due to his ethnicity.

Four police officers and a detention officer received final written warnings, two staff had verbal warnings and another will be subject to management action.