Sean Rigg's family are appealing for witnesses

The family of 40-year-old Sean Rigg, who died after being taken ill in police custody in Brixton Police Station on 21 August 2008, has issued a photograph of him and appealed for witnesses to contact the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Sean's sister, Samantha Rigg-Davies said:

"The family is deeply saddened by the sudden and untimely death of our brother whilst in police custody and are appealing for any people who may have seen Sean walking around the Atkins Road area in Balham on the evening of Thursday 21st August 2008, witnessed the arrest, or were at the police station and saw Sean there, to come forward."

At approximately 7.15pm on Thursday 21 August 2008 police were responding to reports that Mr Rigg's behaviour was causing concern to members of the public in the Atkins Road area. He was subsequently arrested in nearby Weir Road on suspicion of public order offences and alleged assault on a police officer.

Mr Rigg was taken to Brixton police station. While he was in the holding area of the custody suite, Mr Rigg became ill and was quickly seen by a doctor. An ambulance was called to take him to hospital. While waiting for the ambulance, his condition deteriorated and became serious. He was given CPR. Mr Rigg was then taken to hospital by ambulance where he was formally pronounced dead at 9.24pm.

The inquest into Sean's death was opened and adjourned on, Thursday 28 August 2008, at Southwark Coroner's Court.

The IPCC investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Rigg's death continues and anybody with any information which may help is asked to call 0800 096 9070 or email brixton@ipcc.gov.uk