AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a man’s fingers were severed off while in custody at Colchester police station.

A 33-year-old factory worker was arrested earlier this month and began grabbing at the toilet bowl when he entered the cell.

A struggle began and the tops of three fingers on his left hand were severed off.

Seven officers are being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Paramedics were called to the cells at about 2.15am on May 1.

Attempts to save the fingers, belonging to a Romanian man, who lives in Colchester, failed.

The investigation will look into whether excessive force was used and also claims an officer still placed him in handcuffs after he lost the fingers.