A major investigation has been launched after a man died in police custody.
Karl Lockyear, 39, of Clacton, was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving after a crash on October 29.
He had provided a positive breath test at the scene but collapsed when he went to Clacton police station for a second test.
He was taken to Colchester General Hospital where he was put on a ventilator and appeared to make a recovery. But he deteriorated and died on Thursday.
The major investigation team, led by Det Supt Colin Steele, is looking into the circumstances leading up to his death, including the crash and before his arrest.
PC Steve Woods, of Stanway road policing unit, said: "Sadly, it was a desperate situation the medical team were in and it was a question of withdrawing the medical treatment he was taking at the time to see if he would survive alone or not."
A post-mortem examination showed the preliminary cause of death to be natural causes.
PC Woods said the full details of the investigation were being overseen by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) and the Professional Standards Department.
Mr Lockyear was driving a Isuzu Trooper car when it hit three parked vehicles in Ravensdale, Clacton, at noon. The stationary cars were a Ford Fiesta, Peugeot 106 and Peugeot van.
Any witnesses should call Stanway road policing unit on 01206 762512.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Monday, November 14, 2005
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