Beloved dad dies after suffering seizure in handcuffs in Parr

On September 30, 2023, Liam Brackley was arrested by officers after reports that a man was trespassing in gardens in Mealand Way, Parr.

Liam's family said that the dad-of-two was suffering a "psychotic episode".

A video taken by a neighbour and shared with the Star shows him suffering a seizure while handcuffed in a back garden.

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Dad-of-two Liam died on October 1, 2023 (Image: Family handout)
The seven-minute video shows four police officers surrounding Liam, who put him in a recovery position once the seizures start.

The video also shows the officers communicating for further assistance, with the 26-year-old left in handcuffs for around three minutes.

In total, the dad-of-two is intermittingly fitting for around two to three minutes and CPR is administered after two more officers arrive, around four and a half minutes after the seizures began.

Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is also attempted by the officers towards the end of the video.

Liam's family says that he was treated for around 26 minutes.

At this point, the heartbroken family said that Liam had already lost too much oxygen to his brain and he was pronounced dead the following day, on October 1.

Liam's devastated family is searching for answers (Image: Family handout)
A family member, who wished to remain anonymous, alleged that the family was not told about the arrest when they were informed about his death.

The family said that this was the first time they were aware of Liam experiencing a psychotic episode or a seizure.

The family is calling for all police officers to be appropriately trained to deal with cases that involve medical emergencies to prevent such tragedies happening in the future.

Following the tragic death of Liam, who was described as a loving dad, uncle, son, and brother, Merseyside Police referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The IOPC investigate the most serious complaints and conduct matters involving the police, but the body referred the case back to Merseyside Police's Professional Standards Department (PSD), which reviews complaints, governance and alleged misconduct.

However, after being unhappy with the decision to refer the decision back to the local Force, Liam's family asked the IOPC to review the decision.

This is where the case currently stands and an inquest into the death will take place once the police reviews have concluded.

The tragic case is under review with the IOPC (Image: Family handout)
An IOPC spokesperson said: "We received a referral in October from Merseyside Police following the death of a man who died after being restrained by officers. A complaint about the incident was also referred later the same month.

"Following recent correspondence from the complainant, our original decision that the matter should be investigated by the force is currently under review.

"Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic incident."

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police added: "The death of Liam Brackley completely devastated his family and our thoughts and sympathies remain with them.

"A referral was sent to the IOPC by Merseyside Police who reviewed the matter and referred it back to our Professional Standards Department.  

"The family of Liam has asked the IOPC to review the decision.

"An interim report has been submitted to the coroner and we are awaiting toxicology results before a final report is completed."

Liam was a much loved dad, uncle, brother, and son (Image: Liam Brackley)