Findings by the Independent Police Complaints Commission into the death of a man in custody which absolved officers of blame have been severely criticised in a fresh review.

Sean Rigg, 40, who suffered from schizophrenia, died in police custody after he was arrested in Weir Road, Balham, 2008

An initial investigation by the police watchdog in 2008 found there was no wrong doing, but last year an inquest jury ruled police used an "unsuitable" amount of force when they arrested the musician.

The latest review, conducted by Dr Silvia Casale, questioned the IPCC's conduct and said there should be a re-examination of the case.

Another review is now taking place to determine whether officers should face punishment.

The report, commissioned by Dame Anne Owers, chairman of the IPCC, said: "Based on the accumulated evidence following the inquest, the review recommends that the IPCC reconsider the conduct of the police officers involved in the apprehension, restraint and detention of Mr Rigg, in relation to possible breaches of their duty of care, with a view to determining whether to bring misconduct proceedings."
 

It claims the IPCC should investigate the amount of time Mr Rigg was restrained in the prone position, with his chest down and arms behind his back.

The report also claims the IPCC should reconsider if officers did not know he was mentally ill, despite his repeated past contact with police.

It also found officers incorrectly assumed his passport was stolen and failed to run checks on Mr Rigg's identity.

Mr Rigg's sister, Marcia Rigg, said: "My family sincerely welcomes this unprecedented thorough review of the IPCC’s original investigation into the death of our beloved Sean, and the true and honest findings and recommendations of the review. 

"It has been a pleasant surprise for us to see that the IPCC accepts the need to put its house in order for the betterment of all future investigations into deaths in police custody.

"The Rigg family respectfully insist that all such investigations must be robust, fearless, transparent and properly effective."

Dame Anne said: "The Rigg family has demonstrated determination and dignity over a long period of time.

"Above all they have been committed to getting answers about the circumstances of Sean’s tragic death. I am conscious that the shortcomings identified in this review, and the length of time it has taken to get to this
stage, have added to the distress and grief of the Rigg family and I have apologised to them for this.

"I hope it will be of some comfort that they have helped shape our work in future and our approach to bereaved families like theirs."

Dr Silvia Casale said: "We found that the IPCC investigation and report concerning the tragic death in custody of Sean Rigg in 2008 should have been more robust, in particular as regards its pursuit of lines of inquiry and critical analysis of the evidence.

"These improvements will help the IPCC to fulfil its important and complex mandate - to ensure that the UK meets its obligations to protect the right to life and to prevent deaths in custody."

In March the IPCC arrested two serving and one retired police officers on suspicion of perverting the course of justice over evidence given at Mr Rigg's inquest.

The officers remain on bail.

Streatham MP, Chuka Umunna, said: "The findings in this review completely vindicate the dogged determination Sean Rigg’s family have shown in getting to the bottom of what happened to him, and the review supports the serious criticism that has been made of the IPCC’s investigation.

"I am pleased that the IPCC have accepted that their investigation and report into Sean’s death, and the events leading to it which occurred in my constituency, should have been more robust. The recognition by the IPCC that they need to develop and change their approach is welcome.

"The important thing going forward is for those much needed recommendations this review outlines to be adopted by the IPCC to rebuild public trust and confidence. We will be watching developments closely to ensure that the review’s recommendations are properly implemented."