THE police watchdog has launched an investigation into allegations that a man was mistreated while in the custody of a North-East police force.

A 47-year-old man from Seaham, County Durham, was arrested for breach of bail conditions and allegedly resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer on March 5.

He was taken to the Peterlee Police Station where it is alleged excessive and unreasonable force was used on him.

It is also alleged the man was denied medication he reportedly requires for a heart condition.

The man, who has not been named, lodged a formal complaint with Durham Constabulary on April 6.

His complaint resulted in the matter being referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission on May 20.

The IPCC said it had decided to conduct an independent investigation.

IPCC Commissioner Nicholas Long said: "Our investigation will examine medical evidence, witness accounts and CCTV footage from the custody suite to determine whether there is any substance to the man's allegations."