The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is to independently investigate the death of a man detained by Derbyshire Police.

At approximately 6pm on Monday 12 March 2007, Derbyshire officers arrested Mr David Battison, aged 47, at his home on St James Avenue, Ilkeston on suspicion of committing a racially aggravated public order offence.

Whilst travelling in the police vehicle, Mr Battison became unwell and was transferred to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham, where he subsequently died.

The matter was referred to the IPCC by Derbyshire Constabulary and IPCC Commissioner Ms Amerdeep Somal has decided that an independent investigation should be undertaken led by IPCC Deputy Senior Investigator Bob Lilley.

Ms Somal said: "It is of concern that the health of Mr Battison deteriorated so quickly whilst in the custody of the officers who were transferring him to the police station. I have therefore decided that an independent investigation should be carried out to establish the full facts around what happened leading up to Mr Battison's illness."