The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an independent investigation into the death of a 45-year-old man who passed away shortly after being arrested and restrained by Metropolitan Police officers at a property in South Norwood, South London.
The incident took place on Sunday, February 16, at a residential address on the High Street. Police were called to the scene at around 1:30 am following a report expressing concerns that a child may have been assaulted at the property.
Incident Overview
According to the IOPC, Met Police officers arrived at the scene and quickly arrested the 45-year-old man, placing him in handcuffs. Body-worn camera footage reveals that the man resisted officers after being handcuffed and was subsequently restrained on a bed.
The man appeared to be in an agitated state, prompting officers to request the assistance of the London Ambulance Service (LAS) due to concerns about his deteriorating behavior.
Despite medical intervention, the man’s condition worsened, and he was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 3:40 am.
The man has not yet been formally identified, and a post-mortem examination has been conducted. Authorities are currently awaiting further test results to determine the exact cause of death.
IOPC’s Independent Investigation
The IOPC was alerted to the incident shortly after the man’s death and deployed investigators to the scene to initiate their independent investigation.
The IOPC has confirmed that:
- Body-worn video footage from the officers involved has been collected and will undergo a detailed analysis.
- Witness statements have been gathered, and further efforts are underway to review CCTV footage from the surrounding area.
- Officers involved have already provided their initial accounts, with more comprehensive statements submitted as the investigation progresses.
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe addressed the community’s concerns in a public statement:
“Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends, and all those affected by his death. We understand that his death while in police custody will be a matter of concern for them, the local community, and the wider public. I want to reassure people that we are undertaking a thorough, robust, and independent investigation into all of the circumstances surrounding his death.”
Rowe further confirmed that the IOPC has been in contact with the man’s partner to explain the ongoing investigation and will continue to provide updates as inquiries develop.
Community Concerns and Next Steps
The incident has sparked concerns within the local community, with some residents expressing alarm over the man’s death while in police custody. This comes amid ongoing national conversations about police conduct and use of force, particularly in situations involving individuals experiencing mental health crises or heightened distress.
The IOPC has emphasized its commitment to conducting a transparent and impartial investigation, promising to hold the police accountable if any breaches of conduct are found.
The investigation will focus on:
- The appropriateness of the force used during the arrest and restraint.
- The timeliness and adequacy of medical assistance provided.
- Whether the officers involved adhered to proper protocols and training.
Further updates will be provided once the post-mortem results and a comprehensive review of the body-worn footage are completed.
What Happens Next?
- The IOPC will continue gathering evidence and interviewing key witnesses in the coming weeks.
- The Metropolitan Police has pledged full cooperation with the IOPC’s investigation.
- Once completed, the IOPC will release its findings, which could include recommendations for disciplinary actions or systemic changes within the Met.
For now, the local community, the man’s family, and the public await answers about the exact circumstances that led to the tragic death.
The IOPC urges anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to come forward as the investigation progresses.
