A POLICE watchdog is investigating the circumstances of a man’s death following his arrest in Rainhill.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) received a mandatory referral from the force after the 35-year-old was in police custody when he fell ill.

The man was taken to Whiston Hospital, where he died shortly after 4.15am on Thursday (March 14).

At this stage, the IOPC says it understands the man was arrested in the Rainhill area on suspicion of driving and drugs offences at around 4am on Wednesday, March 13.

He was taken to Belle Vale custody suite where he was searched by officers and detained in custody.

The IOPC adds that shortly after 8.30am, "CCTV footage showed the man became unwell, and officers promptly entered the cell to provide medical care before he was taken to hospital".

The watchdog says it was "notified by the force and sent investigators to attend the police post incident procedures and the scene to gather information".

It then began an independent investigation into the circumstances.

IOPC Regional Director Catherine Bates said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones, as well as all those affected by his death.

“When someone dies after being taken into custody, it is important for there to be a thorough investigation to understand what has happened.

“We are independent of the police and our role now will be to establish the facts and our findings will be shared with the man’s family, Merseyside Police and the Coroner in due course.”