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."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article