Hobart: Probe launched after man, 29, dies in police custody after he'd been arrested for acting in a 'suspicious and erratic manner'

A coronial report is being prepared into the death of a 29-year-old man who was being held in police custody.

The man was arrested around 1.55am on Saturday morning after police received reports of him acting 'in a suspicious and erratic manner' in the northern Hobart suburb of Moonah. 

He was taken to the Hobart Reception Prison where he was held on remand.

The man was found unresponsive at 2.30am and despite police and later paramedic attempts to revive him, he died a short time later.

Assistant Commissioner Adrian Bodnar said the man had been arrested for 'a simple offence' under the Police Offences Act.

'Certainly people aren't arrested just because they're looking suspicious, there are other elements … police need to be satisfied about,' he said.

Assistant Commissioner Bodnar said he could not comment on what caused the man to become unresponsive.

'As the matter is now before the coroner I'm very limited in what I can say. That will obviously form part of the coronial investigation for the Coroner to consider,' Assistant Commissioner Bodnar said.

Police are preparing the report for the coroner, who will investigate all aspects of the man's death, including the circumstances of his arrest.

Tasmania Police's professional standards command is also investigating the death and the Integrity Commission has also been notified.