A 59-year-old man has died following an incident involving police officers in Merseyside, prompting an immediate investigation by the national police watchdog.
What Happened During the Police Encounter?
Shortly before 12:24pm on Monday, 5 January 2026, officers from Merseyside Police detained the man on Southport Road in Bootle. According to a statement from the force, the man collapsed and lost consciousness during the interaction.
Police officers immediately administered CPR and called for an ambulance. The man was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.
Man Pronounced Dead and Investigation Launched
Despite the efforts of officers and medical personnel, the man was pronounced dead approximately one hour after arriving at the hospital. Merseyside Police confirmed that the man's next of kin have been informed.
The force has formally referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is standard procedure following a death after police contact. A spokesperson for Merseyside Police expressed condolences to the man's family and loved ones.
Scene Sealed for Forensic Examination
In the aftermath of the incident, a significant police cordon was established on Southport Road. The area heading southbound from Aintree Road to Breeze Hill was closed to traffic for much of the afternoon as forensic teams and investigators worked at the scene.
An additional cordon was placed outside a residential property as part of the ongoing inquiries. Officers and paramedics remained in attendance while evidence was gathered.
The IOPC investigation will now examine the full circumstances surrounding the detention and the man's subsequent death, including the actions taken by the officers involved.
