An investigation has commenced into the passing of a muscle builder who had a brief altercation with law enforcement. Craig Clegg, aged 49, was apprehended by authorities from Merseyside Police following concerns raised about his well-being. Reports revealed that Mr. Clegg exhibited distressing behavior before the police intervened in response to multiple distress calls from the community.
Law enforcement responded to Mr. Clegg’s residence in Lydiate, Sefton, around 10:45 pm on September 16, 2024. The then-coroner for Sefton St Helens and Knowsley, Julie Goulding, detailed the events leading to Mr. Clegg’s detention after a brief scuffle with the officers.
In a review, Ms. Goulding referenced a Home Office post-mortem report indicating a brief struggle captured on body-worn cameras between Mr. Clegg and the officers. Tragically, Mr. Clegg passed away later that night.
During a recent hearing at Bootle Town Hall, an initial inquiry into the incident was launched. The timing of a full investigation is pending, as current coroner Elizabeth Wheeler adjourned the proceedings to a later unspecified date.
Ms. Goulding clarified that no evidence supported claims of physical force such as kneeling or headlocks being used on Mr. Clegg, ruling out police restraint as a significant factor in his demise, as indicated in the post-mortem report.
She further stated that officers cooperated to administer CPR until medical professionals arrived. Mr. Clegg was rushed to Aintree University Hospital from the scene in Lydiate, where he was pronounced dead.
A report examining the circumstances of Mr. Clegg’s death attributed it to complications arising from cocaine toxicity. The unnatural nature of his death prompted the necessity for a formal inquiry, according to Ms. Wheeler.
Following Mr. Clegg’s demise, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) initiated an investigation due to his interaction with officers prior to the incident. The IOPC concluded its inquiry into Merseyside Police’s involvement, with no identified areas for improvement highlighted in the investigating officer’s report.
When questioned about the investigation’s outcome, the IOPC declined to comment initially, stating that findings would be released post the inquest into Mr. Clegg’s death.
In a statement, Mr. Clegg’s family expressed their desire for a thorough examination of the response to his medical emergency by all parties involved, including Merseyside Police and North West Ambulance Service.
Mr. Clegg was a successful bodybuilder, having won the over-45s North West bodybuilding competition and regularly participating in amateur competitions.
