Man dies after contact with police - Metropolitan Police Service, February 2017

On 23 February 2017, shortly before 1am, officers from the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) approached and restrained a man in south-east London while out on patrol.

The man was visibly unstable on his feet and unresponsive to police commands. When the officers first approached him, they suspected he may have placed something in his mouth and swallowed it. He collapsed, and officers commenced cardiopulmonary resuscitation while an ambulance was requested. The ambulance transported the man to hospital, where he later died.

Our investigation considered the local council CCTV, body-worn video footage worn by the officers as well as the officers’ accounts. We also conducted a witness appeal, but no independent witnesses were identified.

We found no evidence to indicate that officers had caused or contributed to the man’s death.

Based on the evidence available we found no indication that any person serving with the police may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings, or had committed a criminal offence.

After reviewing our report, the MPS agreed with our findings.