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Murdered PC Neil Doyle 'may have been recognised by attackers’

Detectives investigating what lay behind fatal attack on PC Neil Doyle question 28-year-old suspect

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PC Neil Doyle who died whilst off duty following an incident on Colquitt Street
PC Neil Doyle who died whilst off duty following an incident on Colquitt Street Credit: Photo: Merseyside Police

Police were continuing to question a man on Saturday over the murder of an off-duty police officer in the centre of Liverpool.

The 28-year-old was arrested on suspicion of the murder of PC Neil Doyle, 36, after he handed himself in to a police station in the city.

PC Doyle, 36, died from his injuries after he was assaulted on Liverpool’s Colquitt Street, close to the Aloha Bar, in the early hours of Friday morning.

A doorman tried desperately to save the life of the stricken officer by giving him CPR following the assault, but he died of his injuries a short time after being rushed to hospital.

Two fellow off-duty officers who were attacked alongside PC Doyle were treated for facial injuries and have since been discharged.

The officer, who had previously been commended for his bravery during an armed robbery, had been just weeks away from taking his newly-wed bride Sarah on a deferred honeymoon, following their wedding five months ago.

The couple, who had no children, lived together in Walton. Mrs Doyle, 37, was last night said to be “extremely distressed”.

A spokesman said: “Merseyside Police can confirm that a 28-year-old man from Huyton has been arrested on suspicion of murder following an assault on Colquitt Street. The male presented himself at a police station Friday evening and is being interviewed by detectives.”

It is thought PC Doyle and his two colleagues, who were on a Christmas night out, may have been targeted after they were recognised as being off-duty police officers.

Chief Constable Sir Jon Murphy said: “After leaving the Peacock bar on Seel Street, Neil and two of his colleagues were assaulted by a group of men. His two colleagues suffered serious injuries. The three officers had been enjoying a Christmas night out.”

He added: “There is no indication whatsoever that they were involved in any kind of argument or altercation earlier in the evening. The officer I have spoken to has indicated that the individuals who approached them referred to them as police officers.”

Sir Jon paid tribute to PC Doyle, saying: “Neil was well respected among his colleagues and had been a police officer for a little over 10 years, mainly in Liverpool. He joined Merseyside Police in May 2004.

“He had previously been commended for arresting three suspects during a violent robbery. He had recently married just five months ago and had not yet taken his honeymoon, which was scheduled for January.”

Flowers were laid in tribute to PC Doyle close to the spot in Colquitt Street where he was attacked and outside Eaton Road police station, where he was based. Flags outside police stations across Merseyside were lowered to half mast as a mark of respect.

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened. My heart goes out to the family of Neil Doyle. I send his loved ones, friends and colleagues our thoughts and most heartfelt sympathy.”