Seven police officers are being investigated after a man died following a stop and search.
Robert Evans, 59, was found dead at his home in Vauxhall on Sunday, July 3, just five days after he was detained by police on Eldon Street on June 28. His cause of death is yet to be established and is being treated as unexplained.
Merseyside Police have referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to the contact officers had with Mr Evans before his death. Six officers now face allegations of potential gross misconduct and are also under criminal investigation for potential assault offences in relation to their use of force on Mr Evans.
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A seventh officer is also being investigated for potential misconduct.
IOPC is carrying out an independent investigation into the conduct of the police officers, who had contact with Mr Evans before his death. A spokesperson from the IOPC said: "Based on the information available at this stage, we have informed six officers they are being investigated for potential gross misconduct.
"We have further notified them they are under criminal investigation for potential assault offences in relation to their use of force on Mr Evans. This does not necessarily mean conduct proceedings or criminal charges will follow and the status of each officer will remain under review throughout the investigation.
"We have also notified a seventh officer they are being investigated for potential misconduct."
Are you a relative of Mr Evans or would like to pay tribute to him please contact news@liverpool.com
IOPC Regional Director Catherine Bates said: “We are independent of the police and our investigation will be thorough to ensure we understand the circumstances of Mr Evans’ interaction with officers on 28 June.
“Upon conclusion of the investigation, we will decide whether any disciplinary proceedings, or referral to the Crown Prosecution Service, are required.
“Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones, and all those affected, at this sad time.”
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