Investigation into circumstances surrounding death of Kevin Clarke progresses

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Kevin Clarke in Lewisham, south London, is making good progress.

We have taken statements from all the identified independent witnesses including the London Ambulance Service staff who attended the incident. We have established that there is no CCTV footage covering the grounds of St Dunstan’s College, behind Polsted Road, where Mr Clarke was restrained. Most of the officers involved had activated their body worn video cameras and that footage has been analysed by our investigators.

As a result of the evidence gathered to date, nine Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officers have now been told their conduct is under investigation.

IOPC Regional Director Jonathan Green said:

“Kevin Clarke died on Friday 9 March and our thoughts remain with all those affected by this tragic incident.

“Following a post mortem examination conducted on 20 March, the cause of Mr Clarke’s death remains under investigation and we continue to provide the pathologist with the evidence we have gathered to assist with the final post mortem report.

“At this stage, we have established that the decisions made and actions taken to restrain Mr Clarke may be in breach of police professional standards and may amount to gross misconduct. This position will be kept under review as the investigation develops and it is important to stress that this does not necessarily mean that misconduct proceedings will follow.

“We have also established the MPS were called earlier in the day by staff at the assisted living accommodation where Kevin resided who were concerned with his welfare. That previous contact is also the subject of our investigation with those officers currently witnesses in this matter.

“We continue to be in contact with Kevin’s family and they have been advised of the recent developments. We are also assisting the Coroner who opened and adjourned an inquest on 28 March.

“For everyone involved in this tragic incident, it is vital that we continue to carefully examine all the evidence available to us so we can fully understand what happened that day.”

Anyone with any information should contact the investigation team on [email protected]