Family of man who died in police van get £4.2m compensation

The family of Freddie Gray, who's death in police custody sparked riots in America, have been awarded almost £4.2 million after agreeing to a wrongful death settlement.

Sources close to the case say city of Baltimore officials brokered the out of court settlement for $6.4 million ahead of the trials of six officers charged in connection to his death on April 12.

The deal still needs to be rubber stamped by the Board of Estimates although it is claimed it has already been agreed to avoid a much costlier trial.

Gray's neck was broken while he was in the back of police van after he was arrested on a weapons charge.

Despite an autopsy it is still unclear who did it or if it was an accident.

Six police officers involved in his arrest, who are said to have ignored his pleas for help, are due to face trial.

Last week it was announced a judge had ruled each should have an individual trial much to the objection of prosecutors.