DEATHS in police custody reached their highest level for five years last year, with 17 fatalities in or following detention.

The figures, released by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) yesterday, also show 69 apparent suicides following custody in the most recent 12-month period.

The disturbing revelation emerged as Home Secretary Theresa May announced the launch of a major review into deaths and serious incidents in police custody following years of demands from bereaved families and campaigners.