Family say 'we need to know' as dad dies hours after being arrested

The family of a dad who was "everyone's best friend" have made an urgent plea after he died hours after being arrested by police. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said an investigation has been launched following the death of David Brown, who was taken to police custody in Liverpool.

The 41-year-old died at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital on Wednesday, August 21 having been taken to St Anne Street police station earlier that day. Mr Brown was stopped by officers on Priory Road in Anfield, on the morning of August 21 and taken to a police custody suite before he was later released.

Merseyside Police were contacted later that afternoon to say he had collapsed at home and he was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead. The IOPC added a post-mortem was carried out on August 22 but the cause of death is still to be determined.

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During their enquiries, the police watchdog said it had been made aware of witnesses who saw Mr Brown being stopped by officers on Priory Road at 11.30am and potential mobile footage of the interaction. A spokesperson said they believe people who may have witnessed Mr Brown’s interaction with officers could assist with their enquiries.

Following a mandatory referral from Merseyside Police on Thursday, August 22 the IOPC began an independent investigation. IOPC investigators have secured CCTV footage from the custody suite.

Mr Brown's family have also urged any witnesses to the incident on Priory Road earlier that day to come forward with information and make contact with the IOPC. David's sister Leeann Doolin paid an emotional tribute to her brother who she described as "everyone's best friend".

In a statement via law firm Leigh Day, she said: “We are devastated by David’s death at the age of just 41 years old. We need to know how this can have happened so suddenly, so we are appealing to anyone who saw anything that happened to him on the day he died to please get in touch with the IOPC.

“David (known as Brownie) was everyone’s best friend. He was a loving dad, son, brother, brother-in-law and uncle. He had a heart of pure gold, was generous and was the life and soul of the party. He loved life and did not have a bad word to say about anyone. He has left a huge hole in our family.”

The family are represented by solicitor Leanne Devine, partner at law firm Leigh Day, who said: “It is vital that the IOPC has as much information as possible so that its investigators can build a full and clear picture of what happened to David Brown in the hours leading up to his death.

"Anyone who has any information about what happened in Priory Road, or in St Anne Street police station, is asked to contact the IOPC to share what they know. We will be supporting David’s family in their quest to find out exactly what happened on the day he died.” The IOPC can be contacted on prioryroad@policeconduct.gov.uk