A man who lived a life of crime after finding the body of murdered toddler James Bulger "lived a tormented life" and "should have got some help".
James Riley, 44, died in police custody this month after being arrested on Scotland Road. 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 ECHO revealed earlier today that Riley had led a life of crime and had been convicted more than 40 times for a range of convictions.
READ MORE: Man who discovered James Bulger's body dies in police custody
His family said this was a result of him discovering James' body with brother Terence Riley on a railway line in 1993 when he was just 14. James was tortured and murdered by 10-year-old boys Jon Venables and Robert Thompson who led him away from his mum at Bootle Strand shopping centre.
Riley has appeared through the courts on a number of occasions where it was revealed he suffered with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of finding James' body.
ECHO readers paid tributes to Riley after his name was confirmed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Rita Marie Farndell said: "This man has very sadly been let down by the state. He should have received help, he was obviously going to experience many difficulties. PTSD needs to be taken seriously."
James' heartless and brutal murder sent shockwaves through Merseyside. Venables and Thompson became the country's youngest killers when they were convicted in November 1993. The ECHO recently covered the 30 year anniversary of his death and how the effects of the murder are still felt in the region.
Sarah Murphy said today: "This is so sad. It affected the public so much to hear about so you can only imagine how it affected him seeing what had happened. So sad he didn't get the support he deserved. RIP James and baby James too."
Lynn Roberts added: "I never realised just how young the people were that found James' body. It's no wonder this man suffered. It must have been such a traumatic experience to see how James had suffered."
People who remembered Riley from their childhood also paid tribute. Jodie Dever said: "Aw, I remember him from when we were kids. Sad - the flashbacks he must have had. RIP James. Sympathy to Terrance and family."
Kellyann Monaghan added: "I hope you find peace wherever you are James, you deserve it more than anyone after the tormented life you've lived. Good night, god bless mate."
The ECHO is in contact with the IOPC to establish the events that led to Riley's death. Catherine Bates, IOPC regional director, 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."
Merseyside Police said previously officers are fully cooperating with the IOPC. A spokesperson for the force said: "We are aware that the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the death of a 44-year-old man in police custody in Liverpool on Wednesday, March 15.
"The force’s Professional Standards Department mandatorily referred the matter to the IOPC following the sad news that the man had passed away and we are fully cooperating with their investigation team. His next of kin have been informed and Merseyside Police would like to offer its condolences to the family for their loss."
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