'I've seen addicts stop breathing'

Jason Payne-James is one of the most experienced forensic medical examiners the Met has.

The 52-year-old consultant doctor and academic, who has worked in London police stations for 20 years, defended the pay scales and said employing more nurses would not make the service cheaper.

Dr Payne-James said forensic medical examiners can be called on to treat drug addicts who have overdosed, detainees who have tried to kill themselves or to examine someone accused of a sexual assault. He said: "I have been involved in resuscitating people who stopped breathing because of drugs or alcohol. I have been with jailers and someone has tried to wrap something round their neck and ligature cutters have had to be used. If I was arrested, I would want to be seen by a doctor or nurse with proper training in custodial medicine."