POLICE officers and staff are under further investigation after a man died in custody the day before his birthday.

Leroy 'Junior' Medford was found unresponsive in his cell at Loddon Valley police station in April and an independent review was launched into his death.

The father-of-seven was 43 when he was arrested on suspicion of assault and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs in Earley.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) confirmed three officers and two staff members from the station are under further investigation to determine how Medford was monitored.

A spokesman for the IPCC said: “The independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Leroy Junior Medford on April 2 is well advanced.

“IPCC investigators have viewed a significant amount of CCTV footage and have taken detailed statements from police officers and other witnesses.

Reading Chronicle:

“Three officers and two members of police staff are now under investigation following concerns requiring further examination as to the adequacy of how Mr Medford was monitored while he was in custody at Loddon Valley Police Station.

“Enquiries are continuing, and once the independent investigation is complete the final report will be provided to Thames Valley Police for response.”

Medford was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital on the evening of his death and he returned to the police station a few hours later.

He was found unresponsive in his cell nearly seven hours after his arrest and pronounced dead at 5am after returning to the hospital.

His older and only sister, Marilyn Medford-Hawkins, was unable to see him until nine days after he died.

Since his death the family have organised a series of vigils throughout the town, as they attempt to find the answers they crave more than three months later.

The family did not wish to make a comment on the IPCC's latest findings and are focusing on the final preparations for his funeral.

Medford's funeral is to be held at the All Nations Christian Centre on Berkley Avenue on July 7, starting at 1pm.

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