An investigation has been launched after a man was found dead in Scotland’s newest police cells.
The 20-year-old was discovered at the Police Scotland Custody Centre at Kittybrewster, Aberdeen, on Sunday.
It is understood that he had been released from hospital earlier that day and that drugs had played a part in his death.
A probe is now being carried out by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC).
The new custody suite replaces the cells at Aberdeen’s police headquarters, which were the only ones in Scotland not to include call buttons that allow prisoners to call for help.
Built at a cost of £11.2 million, the centre – which has a greater capacity than the old facility at Queen Street – has yet to be formally opened.
The centre hosts 60 cells in addition to a virtual court, identity parade suite and accommodation for a local community policing team.
A police spokesman said: “Police Scotland can confirm that a 20-year-old male has died in custody at the Police Scotland Custody Centre at Kittybrewster in Aberdeen on Sunday.
“The deceased’s next of kin have been informed.
“As is routine in such matters, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has instructed the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner to carry out an independent investigation into the circumstances.”
Last year, the HM Inspectorate urged the then Grampian Police force to instal emergency alarms in the cells at Queen Street after what it identified as “a very high risk to the safety and wellbeing of prisoners”.
A spokesman for the PIRC confirmed they had been instructed to “carry out an independent investigation into the circumstances leading up to the death of a 20-year-old man at the Police Scotland Custody Centre at Kittybrewster on Sunday.
“A report into the findings of the investigation will be submitted to COPFS in due course.”