FORENSIC tests are being carried out on the body of a Newport man to find out how he died in police custody.

Lee Donovan, 23, from Newport, was discovered dead in a cell in Pontypool police station at 1am on Saturday.

He had been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage to a vehicle in Newport High Street at around 10pm on Friday.

We exclusively revealed earlier this week how his devastated family and are calling for answers.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is leading the investigation after referral by Gwent Police.

A spokesman said a Home Office pathologist carried out a post-mortem examination on April 26, but results from further forensic tests are awaited before the cause of death can be confirmed.

An inquest date has not yet been arranged.

Mr Donovan was taken to Pontypool at 10.45pm because the custody suite at Newport Central police station was closed for refurbishment.

He was found collapsed in the cell at around 1am and cardiac pulmonary resuscitation was administered. The ambulance service was called and paramedics took over.

The forensic medical examiner pronounced the man dead at Pontypool police station. IPCC Commissioner for Wales Tom Davies said: "My sympathy and condolences go to Mr Donovan's family and friends.

"I have decided that an independent investigation is appropriate in this case to find out what happened after Mr Donovan's arrest and while he was in custody.

"The IPCC investigation will report to the coroner to help inform the inquest into the circumstances of Mr Donovan's death."

Mr Donovan, a former Lliswerry High School pupil, worked as an apprentice for Hicks Wagons Transport, before helping his uncle with his landscaping business.

His uncle, Michael Donovan, described him as a "lovely, hard-working lad".