A police watchdog has ruled that officers in Caernarfon did not contribute to the death of a woman while she was in custody.

Helen Williams was held for 33 hours at Caernarfon police station after being arrested for a recall to prison.

She fell seriously ill the following day and was pronounced dead after receiving treatment from officers and paramedics.

Earlier this,week, a jury at an inquest in Caernarfon concluded the 43 year-old died from complications of drug abuse.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said North Wales Police officers acted in line with policies and procedures.

Ms Williams had been arrested outside an address in Bangor at around 10.20am on Friday 23rd May 2024.

She was taken to Caernarfon police station - where her detention was authorised at around midday - and was awaiting a court apprerance.

According to the IOPC, custody staff kept regular observations on Ms Williams, who was also seen by healthcare professionals.

She was due to return to prison the following afternoon, but when transportation arrived, it was determined she was not well enough to travel.

Ms Williams was waiting to be taken to hospital when she became seriously ill at around 4.15pm on Saturday 24th May.

Paramedics arrived at the police station 40 minutes later, but she was pronounced dead at 5.19pm.

North Wales Police referred the case to the IOPC, who looked at the level of care provided to Ms Williams during her stay in custody and examined CCTV and bodycam footage of her arrest and detention, along with relevant police documents.

The investigation also considered witness statements from officers and staff who interacted at Ms Williams and the paramedics who treated her.

Derrick Campbell, IOPC director, said: "This was a tragic case. I send my condolences to the family and friends of Ms Williams and everyone affected by her death."

"At the end of our investigation in June 2025, we found no evidence to indicate that police had contributed in any way to Ms Williams’ death. We found officers acted in accordance with policy and procedures during her arrest and detention."

“The evidence demonstrates that the medical interventions by police officers and staff were timely and appropriate but, unfortunately, were unable to prevent her death.”

North Wales Police has yet to comment on the investigation's findings.