Policing costs waived for march

Michael Powell had never been in trouble with the police

The organisers of a march in memory of a man who died in police custody in Birmingham will not be charged for the cost of policing it.

West Midlands Police have taken the unusual decision of waiving the cost of sending officers to the event, which is taking place in Handsworth on Saturday.

The march is in memory of Michael Powell, who was arrested outside his mother's home in Lozells on 7 September, but died several hours later after collapsing at Thornhill Road police station.

Mr Powell, a 38-year-old father-of-three, was hit by a patrol car during a struggle to detain him.

Dignity and respect

The officers who arrested the factory worker had been called by his mother, who was concerned about her son's behaviour.

Mr Powell collapsed at Thornhill Road police station

The cause of Mr Powell's death has yet to be established.

An independent inquiry by Northamptonshire Police is investigating whether the arresting officers acted lawfully.

West Midlands Police said they recognised the deeply-held feeling of Mr Powell's family, who are staging the event.

They said it was important the march should pass with dignity and respect for all involved.

The cost of policing such events is usually passed on to the organisers.