The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) revealed yesterday it is to investigate the level of force used by officers after a man’s finger was severed while he was being detained.

The watchdog body said the 43-year-old was arrested in Dronfield, near Chesterfield, last month and placed in a caged area in the back of a van.

Officers from Derbyshire Police say they only realised his left hand was bleeding when they arrived back at Chesterfield police station.

It is not clear at what stage the man was injured during the June 6 incident.

The man’s little finger was recovered, but despite treatment at hospital the digit could not be reattached.

In a statement, the IPCC said: “The investigation is looking at the circumstances surrounding police contact with the man, including his arrest and the appropriateness of force used.

“Investigators are also examining how the man was placed in the rear of the police van, whether any observations were carried out whilst in police transit and whether any medical treatment was provided before being taken to hospital.”