THE police watchdog has been informed after a man died while in custody.

A 45-year-old man was arrested by officers in the Whitley Bay area at around 8pm on Saturday.

Northumbria Police said he was taken to Middle Engine Lane police station, where he became unwell.

The force said during his time in custody, he received immediate medical attention within the cell and an ambulance was called to the station.

Following further treatment by paramedics, the man was pronounced dead at just after 10pm.

The death has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) as matter of course.

Superintendent Nicola Musgrove, said: “This death within our custody is a tragic incident.

“We immediately referred the death to the IPCC, as we would with any death in police custody, and we are assisting them fully.

“Northumbria Police takes its commitment to the welfare of prisoners extremely seriously.”

Officers are continuing to investigate how the man died and at this time his death is being treated as unexplained.

A 20- year old man has been arrested in connection with the death and is currently in custody helping police with enquiries

IPCC Commissioner Carl Gumsley said the investigation would look at the circumstances leading to the man’s death and the actions of Northumbria Police officers.