Edir Frederico Da Costa, known as Edson, was arrested in the Beckton area of east London along with two others at around 10pm on Thursday 15th June. Six days later, June 21, Da Costa died in hospital after being detained by police. Da Costa's family say he was "brutally beaten" by police and left in a coma.
A post-mortem conducted on Thursday, June 22 claimed there were no injuries to suggest severe force was used. Since then, an investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission has been launched into the events surrounding Da Costa's death. However, Da Costa's family allege he fell into a coma and died as a result of horrific injuries sustained, including but not limited to a fractured skull and ruptured bladder.
A statement from the Independent Police Complaints Commission said: "During this interaction, it is believed police officers used force and deployed CS spray. Mr Da Costa became unwell, first aid was administered, an ambulance was called and he was taken to hospital. Tragically, on Wednesday 21st June, Mr Da Costa died."
The IPCC's associate commissioner, Tom Milsom, said: "My thoughts are with the family and friends of this young man and all those affected. We are committed to conducting a comprehensive investigation and I would urge anyone with information to support our efforts."
People are using the #Justice4Edson hashtag to call for answers from the Metropolitan Police. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Da Costa's family and to contribute towards funeral and possible legal costs. The father-of-one was 25 years old.
Witnesses can email woodcocksroad@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk or call 0800 096 9073. We need answers.
