49-year-old man found dead in police cell

A 49-year-old man was found dead in his cell while in the custody of Merseyside Police.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it had launched an investigation into the case and named the man who died as Paul Campbell, believed to be from Kirkby.

The IOPC said it understood the 49-year-old was arrested for breach of bail and taken to Copy Lane Police Station in Bootle on the evening of Saturday 8 June.

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At around 4.30am on Monday 10 June, a detention officer visited the cell and found no problems. Half an hour later, staff went to check on Mr Campbell and found him unresponsive, the Liverpool Echo reports.

An ambulance was called and Mr Campbell was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead at 6.27am.

IPOC confirmed it had received a mandatory referral from the force and launched an independent investigation into the contact police had with Mr Campbell before his death.

IOPC regional director Catherine Bates said: “Our thoughts go out to Mr Campbell’s family and loved ones and to all those affected by his death. As he was in police custody when he fell ill, we are required to conduct an inquiry into the circumstances.”

“This will be thorough and carried out independently of the police to ensure we understand the circumstances that led to this tragic outcome. We will keep his family and Merseyside Police informed of our progress.”