Coventry Cathedral anniversary ceremony for late Darren Cumberbatch - The Coventry Observer

Coventry Cathedral anniversary ceremony for late Darren Cumberbatch

Coventry Editorial 17th Jul, 2018 Updated: 20th Jul, 2018   0

A COVENTRY Cathedral ceremony will be held to mark a year since a man died in unexplained circumstances after police contact in Nuneaton.

Darren Cumberbatch’s death sparked outrage and a full scale investigation after he died in July last year.

His family have arranged an anniversary vigil and have announced it will take place on Tuesday, July 24 at the cathedral ruins.

The 32-year-old died nine days after being arrested and allegedly became unwell in the presence of police.




Warwickshire Police had been called to an address in Nuneaton in the early hours of July 10, following reports about alleged conduct by Mr Cumberbatch.

He was taken to hospital where he later died after his life support was withdrawn.


The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been investigating.

Anti-racism campaigner, founder and organiser of the Birmingham Empowerment Forum, reverend Desmond Jadoo will be conducting the vigil with staff at the cathedral.

He said: “While the Cumberbatch family prepare to remember, reflect and share the love they had for Darren with his friends and the wider community, they are still awaiting answers as to why he died.

“This delay is only exacerbating the grief they have been and still are experiencing.

“This is way beyond the nine months they were initially promised.

“The venue for the Vigil of Remembrance will be within the ruins of Coventry Cathedral, where are previous vigil and Darren’s funeral was held last year.

“The public are invited to support the Cumberbatch Family.”

People who wish to attend the ceremony should arrive at 7pm for a 7.30pm start and the service will conclude at 8.30pm.

The Coventry Observer contacted the IOPC for an update on the investigation.

An IOPC spokesperson said: “Our investigation into police contact with Darren Cumberbatch prior to his death in hospital last year is nearing conclusion.

“We are presently finalising an investigation report.

“We have been keeping Mr Cumberbatch’s family, Warwickshire Police and HM Coroner updated as the investigation has progressed.

“We have interviewed a number of police officers and independent witnesses, and examined a significant amount of evidence including CCTV, body worn video, and police radio transmissions to investigate police interaction with Mr Cumberbatch both at McIntyre House and George Eliot hospital on July 10 last year.”

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