The police watchdog has appealed for witnesses as they investigate the death of a man who died in police custody after being arrested on Scotland Road.
James Riley, 44, died in police custody in March after being arrested on Scotland Road. Mr Riley was approached by officers at around 9.45pm on March 14 and taken into custody at St Anne Street Police Station. He remained 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 he was taken to hospital where he was confirmed dead. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has appealed for the driver of a blue car who may have witnessed Mr Riley's arrest to come forward.
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The police watchdog said investigators had been made aware of a blue car that had turned left from Great Homer Street into Chapel Gardens at around 9.35pm on the night of his arrest. The IOPC said investigators believe the driver of the car may have witnessed the arrest and be able to assist enquiries.
The IOPC has also confirmed investigators have obtained CCTV and body-worn video footage and conducted house-to-house enquiries in the local area. A post-mortem has also been carried out and further tests to determine Mr Riley's cause of death are ongoing.
The ECHO previously revealed Mr Riley, along with his brother Terence, had discovered the body of James Bulger in 1993 when he was just 14. His family said Mr Riley had been traumatised by the events and had suffered with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of finding James' body.
James Riley had led a life of crime and been convicted more than 40 times for a range of offences. ECHO readers said Mr Riley had "lived a tormented life" and "should have got some help" following his grisly discovery.
The ECHO is in contact with the IOPC to establish the events that led to his death. Catherine Bates, IOPC regional director, previously said: "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."
Ms Bates added today: "I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Mr Riley's family and friends and anyone affected by his death. Our team has been in contact with the family to explain our role, offer advice and support, and to outline the next steps of our independent investigation.
"Any loss of life is a tragedy, and our investigation will be thorough and independent to ensure we understand the circumstances that led up to Mr Riley’s death. If you believe you have any information, or footage of Mr Riley’s interaction with police, I urge you to get in touch.
"We are particularly keen to speak to the driver of the blue car in the area, who we believe may have witnessed the arrest and be able to assist with our enquiries."
Merseyside Police said officers are fully cooperating with the IOPC investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the IOPC on 03003035736 or email at chapelgardens@policeconduct.gov.uk.
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