AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a woman was found dead in a police cell in Hampshire.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has launched an inquiry into how the 48-year-old died while she was in custody in Southampton.

The woman died after she was found not breathing in the cell, at Southampton custody suite, at central police station, on November 1.

An ambulance was called to the cell at 7.15am, but despite their best efforts, she was pronounced dead at Southampton General Hospital, at 8.25am.

Investigators from the IPCC headed to the city to start their investigation, which will examine the circumstances surrounding the woman's detention and her death.

IPCC Commissioner Jan Williams said: “The family has my sincere condolences at this sad and difficult time.

“Our investigator has met with family members and explained why the IPCC is involved.

“The investigation will seek to establish all the facts surrounding the woman's death, and look at the time period in which she was in custody, to determine whether Hampshire Police complied with relevant policies and procedures.”

A post mortem has taken place but formal identification has yet to take place.