Witness appeal following death of devoted family man James Callery in Merseyside
The family of 66-year-old James Callery are appealing for information following his death.
Posted on 14 November 2024
James (Jimmy) fell from a bridge on the East Lancashire Road near the junctions of Rainford Road and Abbey Road in St Helens on Friday 25 October 2024.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it is looking into Jimmy's death, following a mandatory referral from Merseyside Police due to the contact he had with officers.
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust have also confirmed they are carrying out an investigation.
In a statement on its website the IOPC said police had initially attended a report of a man on a bridge, and upon arrival at the scene saw Jimmy on the outside of the railings.
It said Jimmy was pulled over the railings and placed in the back of a police van. Shortly after, Jimmy left the van and headed directly towards the railings. Moments later he had fallen from the bridge. Paramedics were called, but Jimmy was pronounced dead at the scene.
Jimmy’s family are seeking as much information as possible to help with the investigation.
They have urged the IOPC to carry out full and rigorous investigations in relation to their involvement with Jimmy prior to his death. The family have also requested that Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust carry out an internal investigation, in connection with the crisis team involved with Jimmy in the months leading up to his death.
The family are represented by Leanne Devine, Partner at law firm Leigh Day.
Jimmy’s family said:
“We are devastated by the loss of Jimmy and are desperate for answers about what happened. We urge anyone who may have seen anything or has any information, no matter how small, to come forward and help us understand the events leading to Jimmy’s death. We hope that those who might know something will help us find peace by shedding light on his final moments.”
In a statement released after his death, Jimmy’s family described him as an “incredible husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.”
In a statement released by the IOPC, Regional Director Catherine Bates said:
“Any loss of life is a tragedy, and our investigation will be thorough and independent to ensure we understand the police officers’ interactions with Mr Callery on the day he sadly died. We would like to speak to anyone who believes they have any relevant information, but we would particularly like to hear from people who may have witnessed the interaction officers had with Mr Callery while on the bridge. We have met with Mr Callery’s family to explain our role and outline next steps in our investigation.”
Leanne Devine said:
“It is vital that the IOPC has as much information as possible so that its investigators can build a full and clear picture of what happened to Jimmy in the hours leading up to his death. Anyone who has any information about what happened on the East Lancashire Road is asked to contact us to share what they know.”
Any potential witnesses are urged to contact Leanne Devine at ldevine@leighday.co.uk or Ellie Riley at eriley@leighday.co.uk.
Any information will be passed to the IOPC where relevant.
Leanne Devine
Leanne is a partner in the human rights department
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