Man's custody death prompts police watchdog appeal

David Brown was arrested on Priory Road on Wednesday 21 August, and died later that day

The police watchdog is appealing for witnesses to come forward in an investigation to the death of a man who was taken into custody in Liverpool.

David Brown died on 21 August, having been arrested by Merseyside Police and taken to St Anne Street police station earlier that day.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation and said it had now become aware of people who saw the 41-year-old being stopped by officers on Priory Road at 11:30 BST, as well as potential mobile footage of the encounter.

Mr Brown was pronounced dead at Royal Liverpool University Hospital later that day, and a post-mortem examination is still to identify the cause of death.

CCTV footage

The watchdog said it had begun the investigation following a mandatory referral from the force and had secured CCTV footage from the police custody suite.

IOPC regional director Catherine Bates said: “I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Mr Brown’s family and friends and anyone affected by his death.

"Our team has been in contact with the family to explain our role, offer support and to outline the next steps of our independent investigation.

“Our investigation will be thorough and independent to ensure we understand the circumstances that led up to Mr Brown’s death.

"If you believe you have any information, or footage of Mr Brown’s interaction with police, I urge you to get in touch.”