A teenager who died after collapsing in police custody following his arrest on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly could have taken drugs, police said today.

An independent investigation has been launched into the death of 17-year-old Martin Dakers in hospital shortly after collapsing at Washington police station in Tyne and Wear.

The youngster from Pendle Close, Lambton Village, Washington, Tyne and Wear, was arrested around 9pm on Friday and later taken to Sunderland General Hospital where he died shortly after midnight.

Post mortem tests showed he died of a heart attack and police today said he could have taken drugs, possibly ecstasy, before he was arrested.

Superintendent Michael Hassen, of Northumbria Police professional standards department, said today the tests showed no abnormality which might have caused the heart attack.

He said: ''We are still awaiting results of toxicology tests but early indications are that Martin had taken some kind of drug on Friday evening.

''We don't know what it was, or in what quantity, but it may have been ecstasy.

''This should serve as a strong warning to others about the potential dangers of taking drugs.

''We are now trying to establish exactly what Martin was doing at the time before his arrest and as we continue our inquiries we extend our sympathies to Martin's family on their sad loss.''

Police Complaints Authority member Duncan Gear, who is supervising the investigation, said today: ''This is a tragic incident and my sympathies go to the family and friends of this young man at this very difficult time.

''I will be visiting Washington on Thursday to discuss the investigation.

''I will ensure that a thorough and impartial investigation is carried out on behalf of the coroner.''

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said Martin's family had asked not to be approached by the media and did not want to talk about the tragedy.