The emigrant, identified in national media as André Moura, believed to be in his 40s, died after police were reportedly called to his house last Friday night following complaints of domestic abuse.
According to newspaper Diário de Notícias, when police attempted to detain Mr. Moura he became disorderly, so they resorted to using pepper spray.
However, when police arrived at Ashton police station, on the outskirts of Manchester, with Mr. Moura in the back of the police van, officers realised he was unconscious.
“He was then taken to hospital, where he was unfortunately pronounced dead”, Superintendent Neil Evans of Greater Manchester Police said in a statement, adding that the family of the Portuguese emigrant is receiving psychological counselling. The causes of death have not yet been announced.
In the same document, Neil Evans added that he had reported the case to the Independent Office of Police Conduct, “which is investigating the case and with whom we will continue to collaborate”.
Statements from neighbours and footage from cameras that officers carry in their equipment will be decisive in determining if there was excessive police violence.
At the Manchester Evening News, the victim’s neighbours described him as “a lovely boy”.
The Portuguese State Department for Portuguese Communities has already confirmed that it has provided support to the victim’s family, as well as ensuring that the Consulate General in Manchester is “closely and attentively” following the case with British authorities, to try to ascertain all the events leading to the death of the Portuguese citizen.