A man has died after being taken into police custody, prompting Scotland's police watchdog to launch an investigation.

Steven Chesney, 33, died on Sunday after being taken into custody by police in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire.

He became ill after arriving at Motherwell police office and was taken to Wishaw General Hospital, where he died.

The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) has now launched an investigation following the death.

Assistant chief constable Malcolm Graham said: "Our thoughts are with the family at this tragic time.

"We can confirm that the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has instructed the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) to carry out an independent investigation into the circumstances leading up to the death of a 33-year-old man at Wishaw General Hospital who became unwell on arrival in police custody within Motherwell Police office on Sunday, May 1, 2016.

"As this is a live investigation, we are unable to comment further at this time."

A spokesman for the PIRC said: "The PIRC has been directed by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) to conduct an investigation into the circumstances leading up to the death in custody of Steven Chesney, 33, in Motherwell on May, 1 2016.

"A report into the findings of the investigation will be submitted to the COPFS in due course."