Edir Frederico Da Costa, known as Edson, died days after being arrested (Picture: Go Fund Me)

A young black man has died just days after he was detained by police.

Family of Edir Frederico Da Costa, known as Edson, allege he was ‘brutally beaten’ and left in a coma following a police stop in east London.

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Edson’s relatives say the extent of his injuries were shocking and he was left with a fractured skull and a ruptured bladder among other injuries.

However, a post-mortem was conducted on Thursday and, in contrast with the family’s account, the IPCC say a pathologist found there were no injuries to suggest severe force was used.


The police watchdog has launched an investigation after the 25-year-old died soon after being detained by police in Woodcocks, Beckton, in Newham at around 10pm on Thursday June 15.



Edson, father to a young son, died six days after he was stopped in a car, containing three people, by Metropolitan Police officers.

An Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) spokesman said: ‘During this interaction, it is believed police officers used force and deployed CS spray.

Edson’s family claim he was severely injured during the arrest (Picture: Go Fund Me)

‘Mr Da Costa became unwell, first aid was administered, an ambulance was called and he was taken to hospital.

‘Tragically on Wednesday June 21, Mr Da Costa died.’

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Hundreds of people mourned the young father’s death and using the #Justice4Edson hashtag to call for answers from the Metropolitan Police.

The original incident and the subsequent treatment of Edson leading up to his death is now being investigated by the IPCC.

A statement released by the IPCC yesterday said: ‘We’re aware of the unhelpful speculation concerning possible injuries Edson had. We hope to release further information after meeting his family.

‘We would repeat at this stage the pathologist concluded there are no injuries to suggest severe force was used.’

A statement released under the #Justice4Edson hashtag (Picture: Go Fund Me)

A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Edson’s family for funeral and possible legal costs.

Here is the full statement from the independent body looking into Edson’s death:

The IPCC is appealing for witnesses as part of an ongoing independent investigation following a police stop of a car in Beckton, Newham.

The car, occupied by three people, was approached by Metropolitan Police officers on Woodcocks off Tollgate Road at about 10pm, 15 June.

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One man, Edir Frederico Da Costa, aged 25, was detained by police officers. During this interaction it is believed police officers used force and deployed CS spray.

Mr Da Costa became unwell, first aid was administered, an ambulance was called and he was taken to hospital. Tragically on Wednesday 21 June, Mr Da Costa died.

A post-mortem was conducted on Thursday, 22 June. The pathologist concluded there were no injuries to suggest severe force was used.

Further investigations will be undertaken by the pathologist to establish the cause of death.

IPCC investigators deployed to the scene and attended the post incident procedure where officers provided initial accounts on the night of the incident. The IPCC are carrying out door to door enquiries in the area.

Witnesses can come forward by emailing woodcocksroad@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk or calling 0800 096 9073.



Associate Commissioner Tom Milsom said: ‘My thoughts are with the family and friends of this young man and all those affected.

‘We are committed to conducting a comprehensive investigation and I would urge anyone with information to support our efforts.’