IOPC investigates death of a male in Tottenham following contact with the police – witnesses sought

We are investigating an incident where the body of a male was found in the River Lea in Tottenham, north London this morning after he had earlier contact with police.

On Wednesday 7 October at 11:55pm we were advised by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) that following police contact with several males, one had entered the River Lea from a towpath at Ferry Lane, Tottenham, north London and had not re-emerged. Given the circumstances, IOPC investigators immediately went to the police post incident procedure to oversee the process where the officers involved provided their initial accounts. We declared this an independent investigation shortly after 9am this morning and our investigators were also sent to the scene of the incident.

We were notified by the MPS that a male’s body was recovered from the River Lea shortly before 10am today (Thursday 8 October).

IOPC Regional Director Sal Naseem said: “Our thoughts are with all of those affected by this tragic incident. It is important for all those affected that an independent investigation establishes all of the circumstances which led to this event. We have begun to gather evidence including initial accounts from the officers involved and their body worn video. But we would like to hear from anyone who was in Tottenham Hale around the river tow path, specifically at Tottenham lock 17 on Ferry Lane, N17 at around 9:15pm last night, and may have witnessed any police interaction with the males.”

If you saw or filmed any part of this incident, you can help us to build a picture of what happened by contacting our investigators on 0300 303 5721 or email [email protected]