Investigation Launched After South London Man Dies Following Police Response to Assault Report

The Independent Office for Police Conduct begins inquiry as Metropolitan Police confirm mandatory referral after the death of a 45-year-old man.

An investigation has been initiated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following the death of a 45-year-old man in South London, subsequent to police responding to reports of a child being assaulted.

The Metropolitan Police were notified shortly before 1:30 AM on Sunday, 1 October, regarding the alleged assault occurring on South Norwood’s High Street.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers encountered the man, who was in a state of medical emergency and described as being 'very agitated' while 'actively resisting' police intervention.

Officers restrained him, and paramedics were requested for additional support.

The man was transported to an ambulance, where he reportedly became seriously unwell.

He was then taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead later that day.

Notification of his next of kin has been made, according to Scotland Yard.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that they made a mandatory referral to the IOPC in line with protocol, which is necessary whenever someone dies or sustains serious injury following contact with police officers or while in police custody.

This referral does not imply any wrongdoing by the officers involved.

Commander Andy Brittain, who is overseeing the response to this incident, expressed condolences to the deceased's family and noted the importance of reassurance for the local community regarding the appropriateness of the police’s actions during the event.

He stated, 'The IOPC is conducting an investigation to provide that independent scrutiny.' Furthermore, he emphasized the psychological impact such incidents have on the officers involved, who were responding to an emergency situation involving a child reportedly in danger.

An IOPC representative confirmed that they have commenced their investigation into the interactions between police and the deceased man prior to his death.

The investigation will include gathering evidence and initial statements from the officers present during the incident.

The spokesperson for the IOPC reiterated the organization’s commitment to the family's welfare and the importance of conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.