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Issue:-  19 December 2014

PC died following an assault in Liverpool City Centre
Photo supplied by Merseyside Police

MERSEYSIDE Police have confirmed that they have arrested a man on suspicion of murdering an off-duty Police Constable in Liverpool. Merseyside Police said the suspect handed himself in.

This comes after an incident that took place at 3.15am, on Friday, 19 December 2014, when Merseyside Police responded to a call following reports of an assault on Colquitt Street, near to the Aloha club. The 3 victims were taken to hospital, where the 36 year old man died a short while later. It was later confirmed that the 36 year old was an off duty Police Officer, from Eaton Road Police Station. The other 2 were colleagues, who suffered facial injuries. At the time of release of this report is NOT known as to the cause of PC Doyle's death and a post-mortem is to be conducted to establish this. We have been told that the security team from the club gave "extensive" First Aid at the scene in an attempt to save PC Doyle's life. Also 1 of the off-duty Officers suffered a fractured cheekbone during the assault. Another suffered a less serious facial injury.

The media are also being told that it is possible that the "unprovoked" attack by a number of men in Colquitt Street, might have been due to the fact his killers had recognised him. He and his 2 colleagues were off-duty at the time and enjoying a night out. Merseyside Police Press Office saying:- "The fact that the officers themselves may or may not have been recognised, as being serving Police Officers, whilst being out in the City Centre is only 1 of a number of lines of enquiry."

At the press conference in Liverpool, the media have been briefed that understandably the family of PC Doyle are "extremely distressed" by this tragic lost of life. It as also reported to the press that he had been with his long term partner, Sarah for 16 years, and also leaves his brother, Greg and his Mum, Theresa "overwhelmed with shock" at the news of his death, as are his friends and colleagues. PC Doyle had been due to go on honeymoon with his wife Sarah, next month.

Chief Constable Sir Jon Murphy, said in a press briefing on Friday, 19 December 2014 that:- "This is a very sad day for Merseyside Police and I now have to brief you about the loss of one of my officers, Constable Neil Doyle. This briefing will be all that I have to say, the investigation is in its early stages and detectives are still trying to ascertain the full circumstances of events. Consequently, neither the Commissioner, who will speak for a moment, or myself will be answering questions. In the early hours of this morning Constable Neil Doyle, a married 36 year old Officer, with 10 years Police experience, lost his life. On behalf of everybody connected with Merseyside Police I extend our heartfelt and sincere condolences to his wife Sarah and the rest of his family."

He then added that:- "Constable Doyle was enjoying a Christmas night out with his work colleagues. Around 3.15am this morning, Neil left The Peacock bar along with two colleagues. As they walked along Colquitt Street in Liverpool City centre they were subjected to an apparently unprovoked and vicious attack by a group of males. Following intensive emergency treatment at the scene, Constable Doyle was taken to The Royal Liverpool Hospital were he sadly died a short while later. His 2 colleagues suffered serious facial injuries. They have been treated for their injuries and have now been discharged from hospital. I would like to appeal directly to anybody who may have witnessed the incident or indeed anyone who may know anything at all that may be connected the attack. In particular we would like to speak to anybody who was in the Colquitt Street area in the early hours who may have seen something of value to the investigation. Anybody who does have information should call the investigation team on Freephone:- 0800 230 0600 or alternatively, the Crimestoppers anonymous number on:- 0800 555 111. Finally, I would like to place on record my gratitude to the paramedics along with the members of the public who tried in vain to save Neil's life and who provided aid to the 2 injured officers."

Aloha manager, Ryan McMahon has told the press that:- "There was a bit of an altercation with 2 groups, as 3 lads were walking down Colquitt Street together. It wasn't even an argument really, with no shouting or swearing. They then squared up to each other and a couple of punches were thrown. Our doormen, although the group weren't in the venue, did go out and assist in performing CPR until the Police arrived. They did what they could. I've not managed to speak to them yet, but I believe they have been helping the Police. It's terrible, just unbelievable. I feel very sorry for his family!"

We have also been told that PC Neil Doyle was a well liked, hard working bobby who did his best to support the community.
Merseyside Police Federation's Chairman Peter Singleton said:- "Sometimes it seems hollow and false to say these words but he really was a good, skilled, dependable cop, who would always do his best for the public."

Merseyside Police Commissioner, Jane Kennedy has also issued a tribute saying:- "I am deeply shocked and saddened by this news. My heart goes out to the family of Neil Doyle. I am sure I speak for people across Merseyside when I send his loved ones, friends and colleagues our thoughts and most heartfelt sympathy."

We want to stress that the murder investigation is still in its very early stages and following the death of Constable 6944 Neil Doyle and flags outside public buildings on Merseyside are now flying at half-mast, as a form of tribute to PC Doyle.

Officers are trying to establish what happened and are asking the public for help. If you have any information please contact them on:- 0800 230 0600 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on:- 0800 555 111.

Merseyside Police have also added that:- "We would like to say 'thank you' to the public for all your messages of condolence for PC Neil Doyle. We'll ensure they are passed onto his family and to his colleagues over the next few days and weeks."

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