A man who died in police custody after being arrested on Scotland Road has been named.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is carrying out an investigation into the death of a 44-year-old man in police custody. The man was approached by Merseyside Police on Scotland Road at around 9.45pm on Tuesday, March 14 before being taken into custody at St Anne Street Police Station.
The man stayed in a cell overnight but at around 5pm the following day police 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 confirmed dead.
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The name of the man has now been confirmed by the IOPC as James Riley. Following a mandatory referral from Merseyside Police, the IOPC declared an independent probe at 8.20pm on March 15.
The police watchdog sent investigators to the custody suite to begin reviewing evidence by obtaining CCTV and body-worn video footage. The IOPC has also been in touch with Merseyside Police about receiving initial accounts from the officers involved. An IOPC spokesperson told the ECHO the investigative teams are continuing to gather evidence.
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."
Merseyside Police said previously officers are "fully cooperating" with the IOPC. A spokesperson for the force said: "We are aware that the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the death of a 44-year-old man in police custody in Liverpool on Wednesday, March 15.
"The force’s Professional Standards Department mandatorily referred the matter to the IOPC following the sad news that the man had passed away and we are fully cooperating with their investigation team. His next of kin have been informed and Merseyside Police would like to offer its condolences to the family for their loss."
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