A suspected mugger died after being pinned down by members of the public and then handcuffed by police in north London, it emerged today.

It was reported on Friday that the man, in his 30s, had died after being "involved" in a robbery and then coming into contact with police in Holloway.

Police have now confirmed that he was detained by members of the public after the incident in Holloway Road at about 10.45pm on Thursday.

Officers then arrived and handcuffed the man, although he was not arrested, Scotland Yard said.

It appears he became unwell shortly afterwards, though it is not clear what triggered his problems.

Medics were called and battled to revive him at the scene before he was rushed to hospital. He died just after midnight at 12.12am on Friday.

London Ambulance Service said yesterday the man had suffered a cardiac arrest, though a post mortem today proved inconclusive.

It also emerged today that the Independent Police Complaints Commission, the police watchdog, has now launched a formal probe after sending an investigator to the scene.

Meanwhile, murder detectives are also investigating the death.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: “Officers from the Homicide and Major Crime Command are now carrying out an investigation into the circumstances of the man's death.

"An incident room has been opened at Lewisham police station and the investigation is being led by Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Gwyn."

He added: "At this stage police believe we know the identity of the man, and next have kin have been informed, however we await formal identification."

Anyone with any information should call the Incident Room on 020 8721 4805 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.