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The heartbroken family of a Liverpool teenager who died in police custody have called for answers over his death.

Mzee Mohammed became “unwell” after an incident in Liverpool ONE which saw him detained by security staff and police.

Questioning how he died, his mum Karla today revealed he had no pre-existing medical conditions as she paid tribute to her “gentle giant”.

Speaking at the family home in Kensington , Karla demanded to know what had caused Mzee to die when he had left her Liverpool home fit and healthy yesterday lunchtime.

As police watchdog the IPCC launched an investigation into the circumstances, as is standard procedure, the mum-of-four claimed: “I believe that the police and security staff have questions to answer.”

“You don’t bury your kids, not your 18-year-old lad. I want to know what happened to my boy - I just want to see my son.”

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Her quest for answers came as police continued to investigate how Mzee, who the ECHO understands was not held at a police station at any stage last night, had died.

Officers were called to Liverpool ONE on Wednesday evening after security staff at the shopping complex had detained the teen. Police said died after becoming “unwell” at 6.30pm.

In 2014, Mzee was among a gang of youths who were handed Asbos after causing havoc on the streets of Toxteth .

Police said the gang damaged property, hurled abuse at passers-by and intimidating local businesses.

But Karla told the ECHO that her son had turned his life around and had recently returned to school to get his Maths and English GCSEs.

She said “intelligent and ambitious” Mzee did not touch drugs and dreamed of becoming a chef.

Karla said: “We all thought once he came off the Asbo he would go back [to trouble]. But he didn’t. He just wanted to be here with me - his mum and his sisters.

“He was one of the most kind-hearted, generous people I knew and he was very protective of his sisters.

“He had a troubled past and he fell in with mates that had him in trouble and he got his Asbo.

“But he got past that. He had kind eyes and his smile would light up a room.

“His family was his world, he devoted his attention to his three sisters - who called him ‘bear’.

“He enjoyed life and he was a gentle giant.”

As her home was filled with mourners and wellwishers this morning, Karla promised she would not give up on her search for answers, and added: “I feel sickened this morning. I can’t believe it, the neighbours can’t believe it.”

Anyone who witnessed anything which could help the investigation is asked to call the IPCC on 0800 096 9070 or email witness@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk