Man dies in police custody in Newcastle

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-33646684

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A man has died in police custody in Newcastle as a review into such deaths was announced by the home secretary.

The man became ill at Forth Banks police station at about 15:15 BST on Thursday, Northumbria Police said.

He received medical attention inside the cell, but was pronounced dead just after 15:45.

It happened on the same day Theresa May announced an independent review into deaths during or following police custody.

'Raise concerns'

Annual figures from Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), also released on Thursday, show there were 17 such deaths in 2014-15 - the highest number for five years.

Assistant Chief Constable Jo Farrell said the "tragic incident" had been referred to the IPCC for investigation.

"Northumbria Police's statistics were included in this [IPCC] report and, as a force, we welcome this in the interests of openness and transparency," she said.

"The public can be assured that Northumbria Police successfully manages the safety and welfare of thousands of prisoners each year.

"However, we do acknowledge this incident may raise concerns on the safety of our custody suites."