Liam Brackley, 26, remembered as ‘life of the room,’ leaves behind twin daughters; police self-refer to watchdog

The tragic death of 26-year-old Liam Brackley, a father of twin daughters from St Helens, Merseyside, has sparked controversy after he suffered a fatal seizure following his handcuffing by police in a back garden.

Liam, described as the “life and soul of a room” by loved ones, tragically passed away after the incident, leaving behind his young children. Merseyside Police has referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for investigation.

The sequence of events unfolded when Liam was reportedly detained by police following reports of trespassing. Video footage captured at the scene depicts Liam experiencing a seizure while in handcuffs and surrounded by officers. Despite efforts by the officers to assist Liam, including placing him in the recovery position and administering CPR, he tragically succumbed to a seizure and cardiac arrest.

Liam’s family expressed deep concern over the handling of the situation by the police and called for better training in dealing with individuals experiencing medical emergencies. They remember Liam fondly as a caring and vibrant individual who brought joy to those around him.

Merseyside Police initially referred the case to the IOPC, which later returned the investigation to the police force’s Professional Standards Department (PSD) for review. However, following a complaint from the family, the IOPC is reconsidering its decision and is awaiting toxicology results before finalizing its report.

The tragic incident has left Liam’s family shattered, with profound grief and a sense of loss. They seek answers and accountability for the events leading to Liam’s untimely death, hoping for justice and improved procedures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.