A 44-YEAR-OLD man has died in police custody.

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

The man was arrested in the Scotland Road area of Liverpool at around 9.45pm on Tuesday, March 14, 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 the IOPC declared an independent investigation and sent investigators to the custody suite to begin reviewing evidence by obtaining CCTV and body-worn video footage.

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.”