The family of a black man who died in police custody in Devon last month have said they still have no idea of the circumstances that led to his death and are demanding answers. Simeon Francis, 35, who had a 10-year-old child, was found unresponsive in the custody suite of Torquay police station. An ambulance was called but he died several hours later. An initial postmortem examination did not establish the cause of death and the police watchdog for England and Wales, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), has launched an investigation. Francis’s family, who are from Torquay and Birmingham, have broken their silence to call for answers. In a statement, his siblings, who asked not to be named, said: “The news of the death of another black man whilst in police custody raises again the concerns regarding the disproportionality of black people dying in custody. “No matter what Simeon’s past was, he was our brother and well-loved. We want answers as to why he died in these circumstances. We are devastated at the news of his death and now seek justice for him.” Francis, who was originally from Birmingham, moved to Torquay 16 years ago. His father, who still lives in Birmingham and also asked not to be named, said: “We are shocked and devastated at the sudden loss of my beautiful son Simeon. As a father, I would never have expected to be dealing with the death of a child in such circumstances. The family and I are seeking answers as to what happened to Simeon.” Desmond Jaddoo, a community activist who is assisting the family, said: “Clearly, without making any allegations at this point, Devon and Cornwall police must be held to account as to what happened to Mr Francis while he was in their custody and their duty of care towards him.” The IOPC is focusing on the care Francis was given during detention and the frequency and adequacy of the checks carried out on him. Francis was arrested at 12.45am on 20 May on Cowley Bridge Road in Exeter, the IOPC said on Monday. He was taken by police van to Torquay police station more than 20 miles away, where he was booked into custody at about 3am. He was later found unresponsive in his cell and an ambulance was called, but he was pronounced dead at 6pm the same day. Devon and Cornwall police said no members of staff had been suspended or restricted in connection with the death.