Woman, 74, dies in police custody

A woman of 74 died while in police custody after she was restrained.

Joyce Reid collapsed after being arrested at her sheltered home for "a minor offence".

She was not handcuffed but had been restrained with her hands held behind her back, it emerged today as an independent inquiry was launched.

A post mortem revealed she died from heart disease, and it is believed the stress of her detention may have brought on a heart condition.

Mrs Reid was arrested last Friday at 12.30am at her council-run home in Torpoint, south-east Cornwall. The pensioner, described by neighbours as "a dear old lady", was taken to Plymouth's main Charles Cross police station. While in custody there she collapsed five hours later.

Immediate efforts were made to revive her and she was taken to hospital, where she died at 11.15pm that night.

Devon and Cornwall police referred all inquiries about the death to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, (IPCC) which will supervise the inquiry into the incident.

IPCC Commissioner Ian Bynoe said in a statement: "My deepest sympathy goes to this lady's family and friends. I will ensure that a thorough investigation will take place."

He said he would "visit the scene, discuss plans for the inquiry and meet with the family".

The IPCC said the post mortem had revealed that "the primary cause of death appears to be heart disease-related pathology".