THE Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is to manage an investigation following the death of a man arrested at Redditch Police Station.

Andrew Newton, 43, of no fixed address, was taken to the Alexandra Hospital, Redditch on Friday, September 21 after West Midlands Ambulance Service and West Mercia police officers were requested to attend Orchard Croft in Barnt Green to give him medical attention.

At approximately 6pm outside the A&E department of the hospital there was an incident and as a result of this Mr Newton was arrested for breach of the peace and taken to Redditch Police Station where he was treated by a police surgeon.

At about 8.30pm Mr Newton stopped breathing, first aid was administered and he was transferred back to the Alexandra Hospital where he died on Wednesday, September 26.

This matter was referred to the IPCC by West Mercia Constabulary, and IPCC Commissioner John Crawley decided that a managed investigation should be undertaken.

Mr Crawley said: "Our investigation will examine the role of West Mercia police officers in the arrest and subsequent detention of Mr Newton and the adequacy of working arrangements between the police, ambulance and hospital emergency services.

"We are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed Mr Newton being collected by the ambulance at Orchard Croft, or the incident outside the Accident & Emergency department at the Alexandra Hospital."

A statement from the Newton family said: "Andrew's death has come as a great shock to all of the family, especially to his young son who, along with the rest of the family, loved him dearly. We are all desperately trying to cope with our tragic loss."

Anyone with information can call 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.