Watchdog to investigate man's police cell death

The 45-year-old was in the custody suite at Romford police station

An investigation has been launched after a man died while in a Metropolitan Police custody suite in east London, a watchdog has said.

The 45-year-old was arrested at about 15:30 BST on 31 March and taken to the Romford custody suite. He was later charged and remanded in custody and was due at court on 2 April, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said.

At about 3:30 on 2 April, custody staff discovered the man unresponsive during a routine cell check. CPR was performed but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Formal identification of the man has been confirmed, an IOPC spokesperson said, but his name is being withheld to respect his family's wishes.

IOPC director Amanda Rowe said: "Our thoughts are with the man's family and friends, and all those affected by his death.

"We have now met with his family to explain our role and have advised them of the next steps."

Investigators from the watchdog have obtained CCTV footage from the custody suite and body-worn footage from the arresting officers, which is currently being reviewed.

A post-mortem examination was completed on 7 April, and the results of further testing are awaited, the spokesperson said.

The coroner has been informed, and an inquest will be opened in due course.

Ms Rowe added: "It's important that an independent investigation is carried out to fully establish the circumstances when someone has died in police custody.

"We will ensure that the man's family and the force are kept informed as our investigation progresses."