Mohamud Mohammed Hassan: Cause of death 'unascertained', inquest told

Mohamud Mohammed Hassan died hours after being released from police custody

A post-mortem examination has failed to establish the cause of a man's death, hours after being released from police custody, an inquest has heard.

Mohamud Mohammed Hassan, 24, was arrested in Cardiff on 8 January, released the next morning without charge and died that day.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is looking into South Wales Police's contact with him.

Pontypridd Coroner's Court heard the cause of death was "unascertained".

It was told Deryk James, the forensic pathologist who carried out the examination, was not able to advance a medical cause of death.

Acting senior coroner for South Wales Central Graeme Hughes said he would now conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Hassan's death, and then "conclude that investigation by way of an inquest".

The court heard Mr Hassan was last seen alive at his flat on Newport Road by a friend at 17:00 GMT on 9 January.

He was found unconscious by the same friend at 22:30 that night.

The inquest was told the ongoing investigation by the IOPC was likely to take six months, but there had been "some issues" with obtaining CCTV.

On Wednesday the IOPC said there was "no evidence" a Taser was used on him during his arrest or in custody after allegations by Mr Hassan's family.

The IOPC said officers attended Mr Hassan's flat following a report of a fight.

One South Wales Police officer, who brought Mr Hassan to the station, has been issued with a misconduct notice.

Protesters took to Cardiff's streets following Mr Hassan's death

The IPOC said it was talking to 46 officers and police staff as part of its investigation into the events surrounding his arrest and detainment.

Mr Hughes said the court would now continue to liaise with the IOPC ahead of their initial report.

He also offered his "deepest condolences" to Mr Hassan's family and friends.

A pre-inquest review was listed for 10:00 GMT on 3 December.

Speaking after the hearing Hilary Brown, representing Mr Hassan's family, said the family were concerned that delaying the inquest until December could allow it to be influenced by the IOPC's investigation.

She said: "We wanted the inquest to come forward because we want to be able to ensure that everything is on track, and lines of inquiry that we feel are relevant are actually followed".

The coroner directed the IOPC to provide him with a written update on their investigation by 13 August.