Justice For Edson march: Stratford station evacuated as riot police descend on march for man who died after being arrested

Stratford bus station was evacuated on Sunday evening as riot police descended on a protest demanding justice for a young father who died after being detained by police.

Edir Frederico Da Costa, known as Edson, died in hospital six days after he was detained in Newham on June 15.

Protesters marched on Forest Gate police station on Sunday chanting “justice for Edson” after the 25-year-old’s family allege he was “brutally beaten” when officers stopped him in a car.

As the protest continued throughout the afternoon, crowds gathered around Stratford station – shouting “police killed Edson”.

Pictures and footage from the scene showed lines of riot police stationed around the area as the a large crowd of angry protesters gathered.

Newham MPS tweeted that the bus station and surrounding roads had been closed as police attempted to contain the demonstration.

Transport for London said that from just before 6pm there had been "a number of bus diversions at police request" due to the demonstration at Stratford.

One protester rode his motorbike up to the police line and deliberately revved his engine in front of the officers.

Another motorcyclist turned his bike towards the officers and span his wheels so that smoke blew towards them.

A Met Police spokeswoman told the Standard: "As of 8pm there was still a large number of protesters present. An appropriate policing plan was in place.

"There have been no arrests and a senior officer has attended the location and has engaged with organisers."

The police watchdog launched an investigation after Mr Da Costa died in hospital.

A post-mortem was conducted on Thursday, and the pathologist concluded there were no injuries to suggest severe force was used.

The IPCC said the examination indicated there were no spinal injuries caused by police.

A spokesman for the police watchdog, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), said it was believed officers used force and CS spray.

He added: "Mr Da Costa became unwell, first aid was administered, an ambulance was called and he was taken to hospital. Tragically on Wednesday June 21, Mr Da Costa died."

According to the family's lawyer, Sarah Kellas, Mr Da Costa's relatives are "very concerned about the circumstances in which he died".

Newham Borough Commander Chief Superintendent Ian Larnder said: "All police officers are fully aware that they will be asked to account for their actions, officers are not exempt from the law and we would not wish to be.

"I know that Edir's family, friends and the wider community want answers, but it is important that the investigation is allowed to take place to establish the full facts of what happened before any conclusions are made.”