Rashan Charles: Package found in his throat was ‘mixture of paracetamol and caffeine’, IPCC confirms

Anger: protesters at a vigil for Rashan Charles last week. Photograph: Hackney Citizen

Rashan Charles swallowed a mix of “paracetamol and caffeine wrapped in plastic” before his death, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has confirmed.

The 20-year-old died in hospital on 22 July following a police chase, and an object was removed from his throat.

Footage later emerged on social media which appears to show Charles being wrestled to the floor of a Dalston shop by an officer.

His death sparked riots in Hackney, with angry protesters reportedly throwing fireworks at police before blocking traffic on Kingsland Road.

Independent police watchdog the IPCC is investigating the circumstances surrounding Charles’ death.

IPCC chief Cindy Butts said: “Since the tragic death of Rashan Charles in the early hours of Saturday morning, there has been much public speculation and anger. The IPCC is independently scrutinising all the evidence, in order to provide answers for Rashan’s family, friends and the wider public – but we don’t work in a bubble.

“We are well aware of the discussion that’s going on around the case and the need to do our part to help people have confidence in our investigation.

“Yesterday, we received analysis of the contents of a package that paramedics removed from Rashan’s airway after he was detained and restrained by a police officer and member of the public. Following a very constructive meeting with Rashan’s family, we stated that the package did not contain controlled substances.

“We did not provide further details, because the contents of the package are not directly relevant to our investigation – we are looking into the circumstances of Rashan’s death, not investigating Rashan.

“However, given the inflammatory nature of some ongoing speculation I will confirm that the package consisted of a mixture of paracetamol and caffeine wrapped in plastic. At this stage we have not been provided with a confirmed cause of death for Rashan and our investigation is ongoing.

“Rashan’s family have appealed for calm, while we undertake our important work. I would echo their appeal and reassure the public that our investigation will consider every shred of available evidence.”