Mystery surrounds the death of a man who was treated by police responding to reports of screaming and smashing glass.

One neighbour claimed the deceased had attacked a policeman with a machete, but the IPCC, who are investigating, said they were unaware of any police injuries.

Other residents in Trefil Walk, off Parkhurst Road, Holloway, called 999 when they heard the commotion at about 1.30am on Sunday (July 27).

Police arrived 10 minutes later and found a 47-year-old man with injuries. They provided medical assistance until London Ambulance Service arrived at 1.45am.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene less than an hour later but the details of his injuries and how they were caused remain unknown. An Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigation was launched after his death.

Scotland Yard said an IPCC investigation was mandatory in these cases.

Another neighbour, a 63-year-old woman, called the police after hearing the disturbance.

She said: “We just heard the screaming and it sounded like someone was in pain.

“Then we heard the sound of glass smashing and we called the police. They were here within 10 minutes and they tried their best.

“It’s normally very quiet round here, I’ve lived here for 30 years and nothing like this has ever happened – everyone is friendly and knows each other.”

The IPCC said they were referred to the scene by the Met less than an hour after the death and had taken charge at every stage since that point.

Jennifer Izekor, IPCC commissioner, said: “IPCC investigators and I met with the man’s family on Sunday to offer our condolences and explain the IPCC’s involvement. This is understandably a devastating loss for the family, and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”

Islington’s Borough Commander, Det Ch Supt Gerry Campbell, said: “We will continue to co-operate with the IPCC in order to help them establish the full circumstances.

“I would like to offer my condolences to the deceased man’s family.”