Police arrest suspect in death of Liverpool police constable
Police arrest suspect in death of Liverpool police constable
A man has been arrested in connection with the death of an off-duty police constable who was beaten to death in Liverpool on Friday. Neil Doyle was attacked by a group of men during a Christmas night out with colleagues from Merseyside Police. The 36-year-old was married in July and due to go on honeymoon next month. Two other off-duty officers suffered facial injuries in the attack, which took place near the Aloha nightclub in Colquitt Street at around 3.15am on Friday. Officers are investigating the possibility they were targeted because of their jobs.
At around 3.15am Neil [Doyle] left the Peacock bar and walked with two colleagues along Colquitt Street in the city centre. The three officers were subjected to an apparently unprovoked and vicious attack by a group of males.
Chief Constable Sir Jon Murphy
The 28-year-old suspect walked into a police station on Friday evening and is being interviewed by detectives. Mr Doyle, who joined the force in May 2004, was taken to the Royal Liverpool Hospital, but died a short time later. A post-mortem examination concluded he died from fatal bleeding around the brain, consistent with an assault. Chief Constable Sir Jon Murphy described the investigation as being at a "very early stage". Mr Doyle had received a commendation for his actions in arresting three men after a violent robbery. The two other officers required hospital treatment. One suffered a fractured cheekbone.
He exemplified the British bobby. He was a solid, good, hard-working, honest copper.
Peter Singleton, chairman of Merseyside Police Federation
