THE investigation into the death of a man who died in police custody last week has begun.

Thames Valley Police made a mandatory referral to the watchdog who oversees complaints against the force after the man died after being found unresponsive in his cell on April 1. 

The 44-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assault and of possession with intent to supply a class A drug and taken to Loddon Valley police station in Earley.

A spokesman for the Independent Police Complaint’s Commission (IPCC) said: “Officers then became concerned about the man’s welfare and he was taken to Royal Berkshire Hospital.

“He was later discharged by the hospital and returned to custody at Loddon Valley that evening. At around 4am Sunday he was found unresponsive in his cell.

“He was given medical assistance by custody staff and then paramedics, and was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at about 5am.”

CCTV footage and other information is currently being gathered at the police station and witness statements have been obtained.

Formal identification of the man is yet to take place but a post-mortem examination took place on Moday (April 3). 

IPCC associate commissioner Guido Liguori said: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of the man, and those affected by his death.

“Our investigators met with a number of family members yesterday and will continue to support them throughout the investigation.

“We are now working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the man’s death.”