NORTH Wales Police has made a "mandatory referral" to a watchdog after a woman died in custody.

The force issued a statement on Saturday afternoon regarding the death.

Deputy Chief Constable Nigel Harrison said: “We can confirm that a woman in her 40s sadly died while in custody at Caernarfon on Friday, May 24.

“The woman, who had been held in custody since Thursday afternoon, became unwell and sadly passed away just before  5.30pm.

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“As required in these circumstances , we have made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) who are now independently investigating.

“Our thoughts remain with her family, who are being supported by specialist officers, and all those affected.

“We are unable to comment further at this time while the independent IOPC investigation rightly takes place."