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BRISBANE - An investigation is under way after a man, believed to be an Aborigine, died in police custody in north Queensland today.
Police said the middle-aged man was being transported to the Mareeba watchhouse for questioning when he was found dead in a police vehicle.
The Queensland Police Service ethical standards command, Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) and the coroner will investigate.
It is understood the man died between 9am and 10am (AEST) today just outside Mareeba, but had not been involved in a struggle or fight with police during his arrest on suspicion of theft.
Queensland Premier Peter Beattie said he had received a general report about the death, but no specific details.
"Can I just say to Queenslanders that we have systems in place, that any black death in custody is fully investigated by both the CMC and the ethical standards branch of the police," Mr Beattie told the Seven Network.
"We've demonstrated our commitment to deal with the issue of black deaths in custody and I urge everyone to simply wait until we know the full details, wait until these appropriate investigations are done."
Mr Beattie said the death would be "fully and properly investigated".
"We've demonstrated here that none of these get covered up," he said.
The death follows last week's acquittal of police officer Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley over a death in custody.
Mulrunji Doomadgee, 36, died in the police watchhouse on Palm Island, off Townsville, in November 2004 after being arrested for public drunkenness and swearing.
The death sparked a riot on Palm Island.
Snr Sgt Hurley was last week cleared of charges of assault and manslaughter.
- AAP
