Update on investigation following the death of Kevin Clarke in Lewisham

We are continuing to examine the circumstances of the death of a man following police contact in Lewisham, south London.

The man who we can now identify as Kevin Clarke, aged 35, was pronounced dead at Lewisham hospital shortly after 4pm on Friday 9 March following an incident in the Polsted Road area earlier that afternoon.

Our investigators went to the scene on Friday and to a local police station where initial statements were obtained from nine officers involved. Our investigative work has continued including conducting house to house enquiries, obtaining statements from independent witnesses and analysing body worn video footage of the incident.

IOPC Regional Director Jonathan Green said:

“This is clearly a tragic incident. My thoughts are with Mr Clarke’s family and friends and all those affected. I am aware this incident is also of concern to the wider community and want to reassure everyone that we are making good progress with our independent investigation of the incident.

“Our enquiries have been greatly helped by the body worn video activated by many of the officers involved. Officers found Kevin in the grounds of St Dunstan’s College, behind Polsted Road.

“Shortly after they arrived at the scene officers called for medical assistance. They restrained him before an ambulance arrived. While paramedics were at the scene his condition deteriorated and he was taken to Lewisham Hospital where Kevin was sadly pronounced dead.

“The role of the IOPC in these circumstances is to carefully establish the facts of the incident including fully examining the evidence and to look at the police actions and responses to Kevin, who we understand had a diagnosed mental health illness.

“I would like to reassure all of those affected and concerned that we will carry out a comprehensive and thorough independent investigation.

“I would urge anyone who saw Kevin on the afternoon of Friday 9 March, or anyone who may have any information at all which may help our investigators, to please come forward.”

Witnesses should email [email protected] or call 0800 029 4691.

Our investigators have been liaising with HM Coroner and an inquest will be opened in due course. A post-mortem is scheduled to take place today (Tuesday 20 March).