A probe has been initiated following the death of a man while in the custody of the Metropolitan Police in east London, according to a regulatory agency.

The 45-year-old individual was apprehended around 3:30 PM BST on March 31 and subsequently taken to the Romford custody center. He faced charges and was remanded, with a court appearance scheduled for April 2, as stated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

At approximately 3:30 AM on April 2, personnel in the custody suite found the man unresponsive during a routine check of the cells. Lifesaving measures were attempted, but he was declared dead at the scene.

The IOPC confirmed that the man has been formally identified; however, his name is being withheld out of respect for his family’s wishes.

Amanda Rowe, director of the IOPC, expressed, “Our condolences go out to the man’s family and friends, as well as to all who are impacted by his passing.

“We have already met with his family to clarify our role and inform them about the subsequent steps.”

Investigators have gathered CCTV recordings from the custody suite and bodycam footage from the officers involved in the arrest, which is under review.

A post-mortem examination took place on April 7, with additional tests pending for results, as noted by the spokesperson.

The coroner has been notified, and an inquest is set to be opened in due course.

Ms. Rowe further remarked, “It is crucial that an independent inquiry is conducted to thoroughly determine the events surrounding a death that occurs in police custody.

“We will keep the man’s family and the police force updated as our investigation moves forward.”