A police watchdog is investigating the death of a man at a custody suite in east London.
The 45-year-old suspect had been arrested by the Metropolitan Police on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug on March 31 in Romford.
Officers further accused him of breaching a community protection notice.
The male was charged with an unknown offence, then remanded in custody until a court appearance on April 2.
But at around 3.30am that day he was found unresponsive in his cell at the town’s station on Main Road and could not be revived.
Medics pronounced him dead at around 4am.
A post-mortem examination has been carried out but investigators are waiting for the results of further tests.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct took the unusual decision not to release the man’s name “to respect the family’s wishes”, it said.
The Met also added it would “inappropriate” to discuss the case further.
Commander Ella Marriott said: “The death of the man is a very sad event and I extend my condolences to his family and all those who knew and cared for him.
“The IOPC is now conducting an independent investigation into the incident. We are supporting this investigation and our staff impacted.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time, while the investigation is ongoing.”
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.
“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.”
IOPC investigators have secured CCTV footage from the custody suite and body-worn footage from the arresting officers, which is being reviewed.
“We are also reviewing custody logs and will be obtaining statements from the relevant custody staff involved,” a spokesman added.
