Police 'restrained man' who died in attempted stop

A man who died when he fell off his bike and hit a stationary police van was restrained on the ground by officers before they realised he needed medical attention, the police watchdog has said.

Lain Estridge died following the attempted stop by Merseyside Police on Back Falkner Street South in Liverpool which happened at 15:10 GMT on Friday.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is investigating the incident, said the 23-year-old had a package in his mouth which was removed by paramedics at the scene.

A watchdog spokesman said his cause of death is still unknown, with further testing to take place after a post-mortem examination took place on Saturday.

"It is important in cases like this that there is a thorough investigation to understand events surrounding the death, including the actions of police," IOPC Director Amanda Rowe said.

"This will be carried out independently of police and our findings will be shared with Mr Estridge's family, Merseyside Police and the Coroner in due course."

She said while the IOPC investigation was at an early stage, footage related to the incident had been gathered and was being reviewed.

The watchdog said it had established Estridge was one of two men approached by police in the area as part of a proactive operation, but he did not stop for officers.

Police had been positioned at either end of Back Faulkner Street South when they approached the two men.

Officers spoke to one while others followed Estridge who travelled away from them on the bike.

In a statement the IOPC said three officers on foot and a police van were at the junction of Back Faulkner Street South and Grove Street.

"As Mr Estridge approached, at around 15.10 GMT, the van moved forward and was positioned partly across the junction, while the three officers approached the e-bike," it said.

"Mr Estridge came off the e-bike and continued travelling forward, colliding with the van, which was not moving at the time of impact.

"Officers initially restrained Mr Estridge on the ground before identifying he was in need of medical attention and providing first aid."

The ongoing IOPC investigation will look at the decision-making and actions of officers involved throughout the incident, including the efforts to stop Estridge, his restraint and subsequent medical care provided.

"Our thoughts are with Mr Estridge's family and loved ones, as well as all those affected by his death. We have been in contact with the family and will keep them updated as our investigation progresses," Rowe said.

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