A FAMILY say they will fight for answers after their brother died in police custody just a few hours after his arrest.

Leroy 'Junior' Medford, a father-of-seven, was taken into Loddon Valley police station at the beginning of April.

The 43-year-old was pronounced dead at around 5am, the day before his birthday.

Marilyn Medford-Hawkins, his older and only sister, spoke to The Chronicle the day after a peaceful vigil was held at the police station on the evening of May 1.

She said: "We are unable to cry and grieve properly because we are still searching for answers and we wont give up until we have those answers.

"I was anxious about the vigil at the police station, but the community have responded well to our campaign.

"It has been a really frustrating process. We didn't get to see his body until nine days after he died."

Leroy Medford was arrested in Lower Earley on suspicion of assault and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

He was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital, where his death was confirmed a few hours later, after being found unresponsive in his cell.

"People are not supposed to die in custody," his sister added. "He was a loving brother and everyone who we have spoken to has said what a gentleman he was.

Reading Chronicle:

"We will continue our search for answers in a peaceful manner. I am going to involving the community on all levels.

"We deserve to know what happened to our brother and he deserves justice.

His body has been released back to the family and the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) are investigating the incident.

Guido Liguori, associate commissioner for IPCC said: “Our independent investigation is underway and making good progress.

“We are in the process of arranging interviews with a number of witnesses.

“We understand this is a very difficult time for Mr Medford’s family. Our investigators are working quickly in order to establish the circumstances of Mr Medford’s death and will be keeping his family updated throughout this process.”

Visit: http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/justice-for-leroy-junior-medford to make a contribution to the family's funeral costs.