The inquest into the death of a 39-year-old man who had a cardiac arrest while in police custody will be held next year – nearly seven years after he died.

Habib Ullah died after being restrained by police officers on July 3, 2008.

An inquest was first held in December 2010 and the court was told that officers had tried to force a package of drugs out of Mr Ullah’s mouth during a stop and search.

The proceedings had to be abandoned after it was revealed that officers were advised to alter parts of their statements by a solicitor.

An Independent Police Complaints Commission’s investigation is currently underway into the five officers’ conduct.

A pre inquest review was held at Buckinghamshire Coroners’ Court this morning, with legal representatives from Mr Ullah’s family, the five police officers involved, Thames Valley Police and the IPCC present.

During the proceedings, coroner, Richard Hulett, discussed the nature of the inquest, which has been scheduled for February next year.

Mr Hulett said: "My view is it's a very old case by my standards. It's astonishingly old."

In August, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided there was insufficient evidence to charge any individual in relation to Mr Ullah's death or in relation to allegations of perverting the course of justice.

Representing Mr Ullah's family, Marian Ellingworth said the CPS' decision not to prosecute the five officers is currently under review.

The appropriate level of security needed for the inquest next year was also a matter of concern at today's hearing.

Ms Ellingworth said: "Last time there was special security arrangements where the family had to pass through a metal scanner and this was quite upsetting at the time for the family.

“I could even go so far as to say this was offensive."

Mr Hulett added: "As far as security is concerned I think what we will ask for, at the expense of the local authority, a couple of civilian people. Last time we had a small army."

He added: "(I would) rather have civilian people rather than officers, which is likely to inflame the situation."

Next year’s inquest will be heard before a jury and is due to start on February 2, with the aim of being completed on February 27. However, these timings are subject to change.