Investigators have issued their first statement since the fatal incident
10:27, 16 Feb 2026Updated 10:59, 16 Feb 2026
Police Scientific Support on Grove Street(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Investigators looking into the death of a 23-year-old man following an attempted police stop issued their first statement since launching their probe last week. The incident occurred on Back Falkner Street in Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter at around 3.15pm on Friday, February 13.
Grove Street was closed, and a large police presence descended on the street before standing down on Sunday. Floral tributes were left at the scene, and a balloon release took place in his memory yesterday, February 16.
The man has been named locally as 23-year-old Lain Estridge. One note read: “Love you, Lizzy. Ball in paradise.” Candles have been arranged on the floor to read “RIP LIZ” and form a heart shape.
On Saturday police issued a statement urging the public not to speculate and stating the man had been taken to hospital. A later statement, released at 1.49pm, confirmed he had died.
The incident was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), with the watchdog issuing its first statement since the incident to the ECHO.
Tributes on Grove Street in Liverpool(Image: Liverpool Echo)
An IOPC spokesperson said: “An independent investigation is under way into the actions of Merseyside Police following an incident in Liverpool on Friday afternoon.
“We were advised by the force that officers were following a man on a bike at around 3.15pm.
“The man, aged in his 20s, has come off his bike and made contact with a police van, which was not moving at the time.
“He was transported to hospital, where he sadly died.
“After being notified by the force, we sent investigators to attend the scene and the police post-incident procedures to begin gathering evidence and declared an independent investigation on Friday evening.
“We have contacted the man’s family to explain our role.
“Our investigation is in its initial stages, and a post-mortem took place on Saturday.
“A further update will be provided in due course.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident.”
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