Man dies in police custody

Police conducted CPR until ambulance staff arrived. Photo / File

A man who was believed to be intoxicated died in police custody in Rotorua on Saturday afternoon.

Police were called to assist ambulance staff with the 52-year-old man in Rotorua CBD about 3pm, police said.

He was transported to Rotorua Police Station and another ambulance was called after he was assessed by a police doctor.

His condition deteriorated and police staff conducted CPR until the ambulance arrived about 4pm.

A post-mortem examination will take place today to establish the man's cause of death.

Inquiries to determine the man's movements on Saturday were ongoing, police said.

His name will not be released until police have told all of his next of kin.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified of the custody death.