Leroy Medford was found unresponsive in his cell at Loddon Valley station after ingesting an unknown substance

Leroy 'Junior' Medford was suspected of possessing drugs when he was arrested in April last year and taken to Loddon Valley station, where he collapsed in his cell seven hours later.

The father-of-seven died the day before his 44th birthday, but the results of a post-mortem were 'inconclusive'.

A pre-inquest review at Reading Town Hall on Friday heard how Medford 'clenched' a concealed cling film package digitally.

Peter Bedford, senior coroner for Berkshire, said a jury inquest would be pursued, in order to determine how regularly he was checked by staff Loddon Valley and what care he received from the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

An investigation was launched by the Independent Officer for Police Conduct and it is understood that misconduct proceedings are being undertaken against two officers.

Speaking at a recent vigil, his older sister Marilyn Medford-Hawkins said: "We are still searching for answers and we cannot give answers to people until we go through this process.

"We miss him terribly. We were always a close family and his death has really taken the joy out of our lives, so we are trying hard to get it back.

"Nothing has changed about the way I feel. Nobody should have to face losing a family member in police custody.

"This has put a strain on the family and as the big sister I can feel the enormity of being responsible for keeping our family together."

Sean Horstead, representing the family, raised concerns over the medical advice given to officers. Medford had diabetes and required regular monitoring.

He was discharged from hospital following a scan and was found unresponsive in his cell at around 4am.

Regular vigils have been held for Medford, as his family continues to search for answers more than a year on from his death.

A further review hearing will take place at a date yet to be confirmed, with the jury inquest expected to take three weeks to complete.