30 July 2010 Last updated at 06:19 ET

Police officer questioned over Formby pub fight death

A policeman has been questioned over the murder of a man who died after a pub fight which is thought to have started over a spilt pint.

Christopher Shackleton, 42, was injured in the disturbance at the Freshfield Hotel in Formby on Saturday night.

He was taken to hospital but later died. A post-mortem examination showed he suffered a stroke.

The 26-year-old officer, who was off duty at the time of the incident, has been released on bail.

The policeman was originally arrested on suspicion of assault but was rearrested in custody on suspicion of murder after Mr Shackleton died on Thursday.

The cause of the stroke is being investigated.

'Unheard of'

Police said the fight was the result of a dispute at the pub between Mr Shackleton and a number of men but would like to speak to any witnesses.

A force spokesman said: "Merseyside Police can confirm that the 26-year-old man arrested in connection with the incident at the Freshfield pub on Saturday 24 July is a serving Merseyside Police officer."

Gareth Richards, pub manager, said in a statement: "We are shocked. This type of thing is unheard of here.

"We do not tolerate trouble in our pub, where providing a safe environment for our customers is our main priority.

"We are currently doing everything we can to help the police with their inquiries."

The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.