An IOPC spokesman on Friday (July 21) said: "After being notified by the force shortly after the man’s death on July 13, we sent investigators to the police station and the police post incident procedure to begin our enquiries. The male was detained in the vicinity of St Austell after reports were received of erratic driving in the town, situated some 12 miles from the custody suite in Newquay were the male was being taken in a police van.

"We have gathered accounts from the main police officers involved and are reviewing police body-worn video footage, along with CCTV from the police station. A post mortem held on Tuesday proved inconclusive and further tests are being carried out. The coroner has been informed. Examination of the van has taken place and other enquiries are ongoing."

IOPC director David Ford said: “We have spoken to the man’s next of kin to express our sincere condolences and advise them of our investigation. As he was in the custody of Devon and Cornwall Police at the time he became unwell, it is important that we independently examine all the circumstances.

"Our investigation will consider the man’s arrest, the level of care provided to him during the journey to Newquay and on arrival at the police station, and whether officers acted in accordance with policies and procedures.”

An IOPC spokesman said: "After being notified by the force shortly after the man’s death on July 13, we sent investigators to the police station and the police post incident procedure to begin our enquiries. The male was detained in the vicinity of St Austell after reports were received of erratic driving in the town, situated some 12 miles from the custody suite in Newquay were the male was being taken in a police van.

"We have gathered accounts from the main police officers involved and are reviewing police body-worn video footage, along with CCTV from the police station. A post mortem held on Tuesday proved inconclusive and further tests are being carried out. The coroner has been informed. Examination of the van has taken place and other enquiries are ongoing."

IOPC director David Ford said: “We have spoken to the man’s next of kin to express our sincere condolences and advise them of our investigation. As he was in the custody of Devon and Cornwall Police at the time he became unwell, it is important that we independently examine all the circumstances.

"Our investigation will consider the man’s arrest, the level of care provided to him during the journey to Newquay and on arrival at the police station, and whether officers acted in accordance with policies and procedures.”