Investigation begins into Liverpool death in custody

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is independently investigating the death of a 44-year-old man in police custody in Liverpool.

We have established that the man was detained after being approached by Merseyside Police officers in the Scotland Road area of Liverpool at around 9.45pm on Tuesday (14 March) and was taken to a custody suite at St Anne Street Police Station.

The man stayed in a cell overnight and at around 5pm on Wednesday staff were made aware he was on the floor and required medical attention. Paramedics were called and the man was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Following a mandatory referral from the force we declared an independent investigation at 8.20pm on 15 March. We sent investigators to the custody suite to begin reviewing evidence by obtaining CCTV and body-worn video footage. We have also been in touch with the force about receiving initial accounts from the officers involved.

IOPC Regional Director Catherine Bates said: “This was a tragic incident in which a man has sadly died and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.

“Merseyside Police referred this matter to us, and as he was in the custody of police at the time he became unwell, it is important there is a thorough and independent investigation. We will examine all relevant matters including the interaction officers had with the man on the street, and what happened after he arrived at the custody suite.

“We have made contact with his family to explain our role and will update them as our enquiries progress.”