Updated: 14.35, July 14
MERSEYSIDE POLICE says it is working closely with community leaders in Liverpool 8 following the death of a teeenager in Liverpool One last night.
The 18-year-old male, Mzee Mohammed, had been detained by security staff at the shopping centre following reports that he was carrying a knife and acting in an “aggressive and erratic” manner.
A force spokesman said he appeared to have been suffering from a "medical episode".
An investigation has been launched by The Independent Police Complaints Commission.
A Merseyside Police statement released this afternoon said: "Following an incident at Liverpool One last night in which an 18-year-old man later died in hospital, Merseyside Police can confirm that specialist officers are providing support to his family during this difficult time. We also offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
"We are working closely with community leaders in Toxteth, who we have developed strong relationship with, over the years, in order to ensure that the community and the man's family are kept supported and informed in the coming days and weeks."
It went on: "We are fully co-operating with their (IPCC) investigation and, whilst we are committed to being open and transparent, the nature of the IPCC investigation does limit the amount of information we can provide as we cannot be seen to influence or compromise it.
"However we can say that just after 6pm last night Merseyside Police received about a man having run into a house in the Toxteth area in a distressed state. The man then left the address when seen by the occupier.
"The force then received further calls from the public describing a man with a knife behaving erratically at a number of locations throughout the city centre, including Liverpool One.
"The man was eventually located near to Liverpool One by security and police where it was quickly established that he appeared to be suffering from a medical episode. An ambulance was requested and quickly arrived."
The youth was taken to the Royal Liverpool University Hospital where he was pronounced deceased at 7.53pm and a Home Office post mortem examination will take place today at 3pm, it added.
The statement concluded: "We fully support and would like to reiterate the IPCC's request for anyone who witnessed anything that could help their investigation to call the IPCC on 0800 096 9070 or email witness@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk."
Mayor Joe Anderson said he was very saddened by the news of the death and pleased to see that the police have referred themselves to the IPCC.
He added: “I also want to reassure the community that I will be taking an interest in the investigation, going forward. In the days and months ahead we will make sure that the full details of this incident are known.
“But right now, it is our city’s duty to gather round and support the family on this terrible day, with our thoughts and prayers.
"Whatever the circumstances, the death of anyone in our city is tragic news. Our city is rightly proud of its compassion and the way we care for each other and this day must be no different.”
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