Investigation opened into police conduct after death of Liam Brackley

As previously reported by the Star, Liam Brackley passed away on October 1, a day after he was arrested for trespassing in gardens in Mealand Way in Parr.

Liam's family said that he was suffering a psychotic episode at the time, and 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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Liam tragically died on October 1, a day after he was arrested (Image: Louise Brackley)
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, but after losing too much oxygen to his brain, he was pronounced dead the following day.

Liam, who was a big Saints fan, with head coach Paul Wellens (Image: Louise Brackley)
As Liam died after being in police custody, Merseyside Police initially 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.

After Liam's family were unhappy with this decision, the IOPC reviewed the case and has now opened an investigation into the conduct of police in the lead-up and aftermath of the young man's death - including the "level of force used to restrain him".

Liam with his two sisters as children (Image: Louise Brackley)
Speaking about the case, an IOPC spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Liam Brackley, as well as all those affected by his death.

“We are independently investigating the interaction police had with Mr Brackley on 30 September 2023, including the level of force used to restrain him.

“At this stage we understand officers responded to reports of a disturbance in the St Helens area. They located Mr Brackley, who later become unwell. He was taken to hospital where he died the following day.

“As part of our investigation, we will also consider a number of complaints made about the actions of police shortly before and following Mr Brackley’s death.”

Liam with his two sisters (Image: Louise Brackley)
After pushing the IOPC to open an investigation into the police's conduct, Liam's family has also been 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.

Speaking about her brother and the case, Liam's sister Louise said it would hopefully help the family get the answers they need.

She said: "Liam was a funny character with a heart of gold. Everyone used to comment on his smile and his manners, he would light up the room and my mum's house isn’t the same without him.

"Liam previously worked for his sister's company caring for the vulnerable which he was really good at. 

"As a dad, Liam adored his girls and would always speak about them. We have the twins every week now and they often speak about their daddy and the memories they had with him.

"He was also a brilliant uncle. He would always take the kids to the shop for sweets and often ask for them to come round and play games and take them out. 

"He was my mum and dad's world and they will never be the same without Liam, he is a big missing piece to our family. He was our baby brother, our only brother. 

"His friends still come to visit my mum and talk about the memories and mischief they used to get up to.

"He was a massive part of all our lives and we can't move on until we get the answers we deserve."

Liam has been described as the 'missing piece' to his family (Image: Liam Brackley)