AN investigation has been launched following a complaint being made when a man died after he fell ill in the rear of a police van.

Stuart Collins had been picked up by Cleveland Police officers after receiving a call from staff at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough requesting their assistance after he had received treatment there.

During the journey, the 37-year-old took a turn for the worse in the rear of the van and an ambulance was called.

Despite being treated by paramedics Mr Collins was pronounced dead in hospital.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: “Officers were called to James Cook University Hospital on the morning of Tuesday, October 9 to attend to a 37-year-old man who had received treatment there and who was being released by medical staff.

“Officers subsequently became concerned for the man after he was unresponsive on his way home. He was therefore taken to James Cook University Hospital via ambulance and sadly died.

“As is routine when someone becomes unwell following recent contact with police, we have referred the matter to our Professional Standards Department.

“We have received a complaint and the circumstances surrounding the death are still being investigated.”