The family of a man who died in police custody has demanded that the government and the inspector-general of police break their silence, as their lawyers disclosed a horrific catalogue of 21 injuries inflicted on Noorizwan Zulkefly, including bleeding in the brain and intestines and extensive injuries spanning his body from head to feet.

The 42-year-old father died on Oct 1, after being detained at the Cheras district police headquarters lock-up.

The lawyers said the areas of extensive swelling showed subcutaneous bleeding when the skin was peeled back during the autopsy.

They added that the pathologist had informed the family and their lawyers on Oct 12 that Noorizwan died from blunt-force trauma to the head.