A man has died after he was taken to hospital while in police custody.

The man, who is from Grays, became ill when he was arrested by Essex Police officers.

He was then taken to Basildon Hospital, but was later pronounced dead.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We arrested a 55-year-old man from Grays on suspicion of possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply on Sunday, November 19.

“Whilst in custody the man became ill at around 9pm and was taken to Basildon Hospital where he was sadly pronounced as dead.

“Essex Police has now referred the case to the IPCC, as is protocol for an incident of this nature.”