Teenager quizzed over man's death

Detectives hunting a gang of teenagers in connection with the death of a grandfather who chased off a gang of hoodie vandals have arrested an 18-year-old man.

James Barrett, 62, collapsed and died after he caught a gang of teenagers smashing the window of a neighbour's car.

The retired dockworker was babysitting his young grandson and granddaughter when he heard youths break the window of the car outside his home on Bingley Road, Liverpool at around 10.50pm.

He ran straight outside without even pausing to put on his shoes and socks and chased off the group but collapsed around 100 yards down the road after suffering a heart attack.

His wife Mary and neighbours discovered him lying on the ground at the corner of Bingley Road and Priory Road after going outside to check on him. Paramedics took him to the Royal Liverpool Hospital but he died at around 11.45pm.

Police launched a major incident inquiry. A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: "Police have arrested an 18-year-old youth on suspicion of manslaughter and criminal damage following the death of a 62-year-old from the Bingley Road area of Anfield on Friday."

Officers were also said to be following up a number of "positive" lines of inquiry in relation to the case.

A post mortem examination carried out by a Home Office pathologist concluded Mr Barrett had died of a cardiac arrest.

A statement released on behalf of the family said: "We are completely shocked and devastated by this. Jim was a wonderful man who would do anything for anyone. As well as being a wonderful father, husband and granddad he was a true Liverpool supporter, with a real love of football.

"He will be greatly missed by all his family and many friends, who will remember him for his kindness, generosity and warmth."