"Our thoughts are with the man's family and loved ones at this difficult time," police said. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
A man has died shortly after suffering a medical event while in police custody.
Police said they received reports at 5.45pm Saturday of a van parked in the middle of the intersection of Auckland's Mt Albert and Dominion roads.
A man was walking on the road, trying to open doors of other vehicles stopped at the intersection. Police picked him up shortly afterwards on Dominion Road, taking him into custody for alleged unlawful interference with a vehicle.
"The man was transported by police to the Auckland District Custody Unit, however on arrival officers became concerned for the man's welfare as he appeared to be suffering a medical event," police said in a statement on Sunday.
They took him to hospital, where he died a short time later.
"Our thoughts are with the man's family and loved ones at this difficult time," police said.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified, and police will "make enquiries into the death on behalf of the coroner".