Arrested man's finger severed in Derbyshire

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-33591387

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A man's finger was severed while he was being detained by police in Derbyshire, it has emerged.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), which is investigating the matter, said the 43-year-old man was arrested in Dronfield, near Chesterfield, on 6 June.

He was placed in a caged area in the back of a van, the IPCC said.

Police said they did not notice that his left hand was bleeding until they arrived at Chesterfield police station.

'Appropriateness of force'

The IPCC said it was not clear at what stage the man was injured.

His little finger was recovered, but despite treatment at hospital it was not possible to reattach it.

The IPCC said: "The investigation is looking at the circumstances surrounding police contact with the man, including his arrest and the appropriateness of force used.

"Investigators are also examining how the man was placed in the rear of the police van, whether any observations were carried out whilst in police transit and whether any medical treatment was provided before being taken to hospital."

In a separate investigation, the IPCC is looking at the death of a man who became unwell in custody at Chesterfield police station on 26 June.

That investigation will focus on whether the 37-year-old man was cared for properly.