Witness appeal as IOPC investigates death of man who was in contact with Merseyside Police

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is appealing for witnesses to assist with our investigation following the death of James Callery on Friday 25 October.

We began our investigation following a mandatory referral from Merseyside Police due to the contact officers had with Mr Callery.

From the evidence we have reviewed so far, we know police attended a report of a man on a bridge. As police arrived, Mr Callery was on the outside of the railings. Body worn footage obtained shows officers at the scene pulling Mr Callery over the railings to safety and into a nearby police van.

Soon after this, Mr Callery left the van and headed directly towards the railings. Moments later he had fallen from the bridge. Paramedics were called, and Mr Callery was pronounced dead at the scene.

IOPC Regional Director Catherine Bates said: “I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Mr Callery’s family and friends and anyone affected by his death.

“Any loss of life is a tragedy, and our investigation will be thorough and independent to ensure we understand the police officers’ interactions with Mr Callery on the day he sadly died. We would like to speak to anyone who believes they have any relevant information, but we would particularly like to hear from people who may have witnessed the interaction officers had with Mr Callery while on the bridge.

“We have met with Mr Callery’s family to explain our role and outline next steps in our investigation.”

Witnesses are asked to contact IOPC investigators by emailing IOPCRM@policeconduct.gov.uk