The family of a dad-of-one who died while in custody at a Swindon police station claim Wiltshire Police failed to keep him safe.

Piotr Rak, known as Peter and nicknamed Raku, had been arrested on Saturday morning, May 18, and held in custody at Gablecross Police Station on Shrivenham Road. 

He then fell seriously ill during the time he was detained, and despite ambulance crews and paramedics from Wiltshire Air Ambulance attending, he was pronounced dead at around 7.15am on Sunday. 

But Peter's family claim they were not told of his death until the afternoon despite questioning the force that morning on his whereabouts.

They claim constabulary staff told them during their search for him that they had no record of Peter being in custody and to call around to local hospitals.

It is believed Peter, who had a history of alcohol and drug abuse, was found by officers drunk behind the wheel of his car, which is what led to him being arrested.

The family claim Mr Rak himself called police earlier in the day asking for help.

One family member, who asked not to be named, said: "We're not happy with the police. They've not been there to keep him safe.

"He has rang them for help and instead he died in their cells."

An independent investigation from the Independent Office of Police Conduct has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding Peter's death.

One family member claims Peter should have been taken to hospital for treatment for possible alcohol withdrawal.

"They were allegedly doing 15-minute checks," she said.

"But if he was suffering from alcohol withdrawal, which he has before, he could have gone into a seizure.

"The police told us how much alcohol he had in his body, and really he should have been taken straight to a hospital and put on a drip, or at least checked by someone.

"It's common knowledge that people with a dependency on alcohol can have withdrawal."

After meeting with the IOPC on Wednesday, May 22, the family say they will likely have to wait months for answers.

They said: "He wasn't a bad person, he was selfish because of his addictions but he wouldn't harm a fly. 

"He has always been a hardworking person. He had his own business. He was a delivery driver and worked for bigger companies like Yodel too."

A fundraising page was set up to help fund the costs of getting Peter home to Poland for a funeral. At the time of writing, almost £3,000 has been donated to it.

One member of the public who donated said: "The friendliest and most kind-hearted neighbour anyone could ask for. Always busy but always had time to have a chat and offer a hand.

"Going to miss you mate."

Another added: "It’s been a pleasure being your neighbour. Thank you for the swings you built my daughter so she and your son could play. You’ll be missed so dearly."

The IOPC has provided an update on its investigation, confirming details of the circumstances that led to Peter's arrest. 

He was arrested by Wiltshire Police at around 1.50am on Saturday, May 18 on Fleet Street in Swindon on suspicion of being drunk in charge of his Audi vehicle.

Police had attended the location after receiving a call minutes earlier in relation to the Audi.

The IOPC understands Mr Rak was seen by police getting into the car which was stationary when officers approached. He provided a positive breath test at the scene.

He was taken to Gablecross Police Station with custody authorised at around 2.45am.

It says that Mr Rak was placed on regular observations by staff during his time in custody.

Shortly after 8am on Sunday, May 19 he was found to be experiencing a medical episode. CPR was started and an ambulance arrived soon after. Emergency helicopter medics also attended. Sadly, Mr Rak was pronounced dead at the police station at 9am on Sunday.

After being notified by Wiltshire Police on Sunday morning, the IOPC sent investigators to the police station where it began its investigation.

The IOPC says it is looking at the circumstances of the arrest, including the decisions and actions taken in relation to Mr Rak’s detention and whether police officers and staff acted in accordance with local and national policies and procedures.

A post mortem was held on Monday and further tests are being carried out. The coroner has been informed.

IOPC regional director Derrick Campbell said: “I send my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Rak for their sad loss. We have now met Mr Rak’s family and explained our role and how our investigation will progress. We will be examining police actions in taking Mr Rak into custody and the level of care provided to him over the around 30 hour period he was detained.

“We are independent of the police and it is important that we carry out an investigation to fully establish the circumstances when someone has died in police custody.”

"We have begun to gather accounts from officers and staff involved as part of our initial enquiries. We will also be viewing CCTV from the custody suite and body worn video from officers who took part in Mr Rak’s arrest."

Wiltshire Police say they are unable to comment because of the ongoing investigation.