Investigation after man dies in police cell

Paul Campbell died while in Copy Lane police station in Bootle

A man's death in custody is being investigated by the police watchdog.

Paul Campbell, 49, had been arrested by Merseyside Police on 8 June on suspicion of breaching bail conditions.

He was taken to Copy Lane police station in Bootle, but found dead at 05:00 BST on 10 June.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed that it was investigating and added it was standard procedure when someone dies in police custody.

'Unresponsive'

Merseyside Police said it had referred the case to the IOPC and was "fully co-operating" with the investigation.

The IOPC said on the morning of Mr Campbell's death a detention officer had visited the cell at about 04:30 and recorded "no issues".

When the officer returned half an hour later, the man was "unresponsive".

IOPC regional director Catherine Bates said: "As he was in police custody when he became unwell, we are required to carry out an investigation into the circumstances.

"This will be thorough, and carried out independently of police, to ensure we understand the circumstances leading up to this tragic outcome.

“We will keep his family and Merseyside Police updated on our progress.”