Justice For Edson march: Protesters descend on police station as young father died after being detained by officers

Protesters demanding justice for a young father who died after being detained by police have descended on an east London police station.

The police watchdog launched an investigation after Edir Frederico Da Costa, known as Edson, died in hospital six days after he was detained in Newham on June 15.

Footage from the scene outside Forest Gate police station shows demonstrators chanting “we want justice” for the 25-year-old on Sunday.

It comes after Edson’s campaigners allege he was “brutally beaten” and suffered neck and head injuries after officers stopped him in a car, which contained three people.

Dozens of people carrying Black Lives Matter banners were seen gathered around the east London station amid a large police presence.

There have been unconfirmed reports that the young man’s family were not in support of the demo and asked for it to be stopped.

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."