A man died in the police lock-up this morning, hours after being arrested, the police said.

The 35-year-old man from Mtarfa was arrested by members of the Rapid Intervention Unit at around 12.30am after he was found to be in possession of drugs.

He was then taken to the Floriana police headquarters for questioning.

At 3.40am, officers stationed at the lock-up noticed that the man was suffering from a fit.

Medical assistance was called, and an automated external defibrillator was also used, but the man died some time later.

Magistrate Josette Demicoli is leading an inquiry.

The PN, in a statement, requested that an independent inquiry be launched to establish how the death came about, whether it could have been avoided, who was responsible to ensure all precautions were taken to ensure the health of the person was taken care of, and to ensure that all protocols and laws were observed while the person was under arrest.