INDEPENDENT investigators are conducting an inquiry into the death of a man who stopped breathing while being arrested.

The man was arrested by police shortly after 10.30pm following a disturbance at the Vista Building, Calderwood Street, Woolwich.

He became unwell during the arrest and officers tried to resuscitate him after he stopped breathing.

The man was taken by ambulance to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich, and was pronounced dead at 11.44pm.

A police spokesman said: "As is usual in these circumstances the matter has been referred to the Directorate of Professional Standards which is investigating.

"It has also been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC)."

The incident took place on Wednesday, September 27.

IPCC investigators attended the scene in the early hours of the morning to gather evidence.

The organisation's commissioner Mehmuda Mian Pritchard said: "This was a very sad incident and my condolences go out to the deceased man's family and friends.

"I can reassure both the family and the community there will be a full and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident."

Police tape surrounded the block of private flats and officers wearing forensic suits were seen entering the building.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "I could hear shouting from above my flat and then a while later I looked out of my window which looks onto Calderwood Street. There were lots of policemen and I could see a black man trying to run off up the road."

The man, who has not yet been named, was said to be visiting from Nigeria on business and staying with friends in the Vista Building.

Eltham MP Clive Efford said: "It's a shocking tragedy which requires a thorough investigation by the IPCC, which details exactly what the circumstances were."