Probe launched after mother dies following arrest
An investigation has been launched after a 30-year-old woman died shortly after being arrested by police on suspicion of shoplifting.
Sharmilla Ullah, of Brownhills, was taken to Bloxwich Police Station where she was detained on July 9. She became unwell and was taken to Walsall Manor Hospital where she received treatment before being released back into police custody in the early hours of July 10.
At around 11.45am she became unwell again and was taken back to hospital but was declared dead shortly after arrival.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is now carrying out an independent investigation into contact between the woman and West Midlands Police.
West Midlands Police spokesman Deb Edmonds said: "As is routine in such cases, the matter was referred to the IPCC who have sent investigators to examine the circumstances surrounding the woman's death."
Miss Ullah's sister, Sabina Khadija, claims she was told by officers Sharmilla had died in her cell.
She said the family urgently wants to know what happened to the mother of four.
She added: "My mum and my sisters and I are all devastated that Sharmilla has died and we just want to know what happened between her being arrested and her dying.
"Sharmilla was the youngest sister of seven and she was always full of life.
"She was always the life and soul of any party.
"She was beautiful and always smiling and she made everyone happy."
