Police contact with a man before his death - Merseyside Police, September 2017

On 3 September 2017 officers from Merseyside Police were called by the North West Ambulance Service to assist in the treatment of a man who had taken an unknown substance. The man was described as behaving aggressively.

The first officer to arrive at the man’s home recognised that the paramedics were struggling to administer treatment and provided support by holding the man’s arm.

A further four officers were deployed to the scene because Merseyside Police control room were unable to establish contact with the initial officer on scene. On arrival one officer provided support while the other officers remained with the man’s family.

The man stopped breathing before he was removed from his home. Lifesaving efforts continued as the man was transported to hospital, where he died.

We investigated the contact Merseyside Police had with the man prior to his death.

We assessed statements from attending paramedics and police officers. We also interviewed the man’s immediate family.

There was no evidence to indicate that the actions of the police caused or contributed to the man’s death, or that any person serving with the police may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings.