Probe launched as young father dies after being detained by police in east London

Newham: Police watchdog has launched an investigation as a man died after being detained by police
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The police watchdog has launched an investigation as a young man died in hospital after being detained by police in east London.

Family of Edir Frederico Da Costa, known by friends as Edson, allege he was “brutally beaten” after officers stopped him in Newham on June 15.

They said the 25-year-old had his neck broken and suffered head and other injuries after he was stopped in a car, containing three people, by Met officers.

A post-mortem was conducted on Thursday, and the pathologist concluded there were no injuries to suggest severe force was used.

Edson, a father to a young son, died in hospital six days after the incident.

A spokesman for the police watchdog, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), said it is believed officers used force and CS spray.

Edson: The police watchdog launched a probe as the young father died days after being detained
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He added: "Mr Da Costa became unwell, first aid was administered, an ambulance was called and he was taken to hospital. Tragically on Wednesday June 21, Mr Da Costa died."

According to the family's lawyer, Sarah Kellas, Mr Da Costa's relatives are "very concerned about the circumstances in which he died".

Newham Borough Commander Chief Superintendent Ian Larnder said: "All police officers are fully aware that they will be asked to account for their actions, officers are not exempt from the law and we would not wish to be.

"I know that Edir's family, friends and the wider community want answers, but it is important that the investigation is allowed to take place to establish the full facts of what happened before any conclusions are made."

The IPCC said the post-mortem indicated there were no spinal injuries caused by police.

It’s statement on Twitter, on Friday, read: "Today we have contacted Mr Da Costa's family to share with them the findings from the pathologist and we are now able to correct some misinformation that is being widely shared on social media.

"The preliminary post mortem found that Mr Da Costa did not suffer a broken neck, or any other spinal injury during his interaction with the police."

The IPCC has warned "false information, could have dangerous consequences" for the findings of the case.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Edson’s family for funeral and possible legal costs.

And social media flooded with support for the family, with the hashtag #Justice4Edson being shared widely.

The police watchdog is appealing for witnesses to come forward by emailing woodcocksroad@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk or calling 0800 096 9073.

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