The independent police watchdog is investigating the death of a man who died after he was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting.

Lincolnshire police said the man became ill after he was arrested on Tuesday afternoon at a Spalding Sainsbury’s branch.

“Officers and staff gave First Aid to the man who was taken by Air Ambulance to Lincoln County Hospital. Unfortunately, the man subsequently died at hospital,” Lincolnshire Police said in a statement.

“An investigation has been commenced into the circumstances of the death, and enquiries are continuing.”

The force added it had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) who will be “conducting an independent investigation.”

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “We are saddened to hear this news and will support the police investigation in any way we can."

A spokesperson for Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance said an air ambulance was dispatched to a “cardiac arrest".