Met Police Under Scrutiny After Man Dies Following Arrest
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched a probe after a man died following a fall during a Metropolitan Police search in east London.
Man Falls During Arrest at Stratford Court
Omar Bachir, 45, was arrested at Stratford Magistrates’ Court after threatening security staff. While being searched outside the building, Bachir slipped and hit his head on a step. He was taken into custody, seen by a medic, and sent to hospital. Later that evening, he was discharged back to the custody centre.
Tragic Collapse in Cell
Hours later, Bachir became unconscious in his cell. Officers and medics tried to resuscitate him before rushing him back to hospital by ambulance. Sadly, he died on August 1, four days after his fall.
IOPC Launches Full Investigation
The IOPC is now investigating the entire incident: the arrest, handling by officers, custody centre actions, and first aid provided. Charmaine Arbouin, IOPC regional director, said,
“Our thoughts are with Mr. Bachir’s family. We have been in contact to explain our role and advise them of the next steps.”
She added,
“We will continue to independently investigate Mr. Bachir’s death as we work to establish the full circumstances and the actions of the Metropolitan Police staff involved.”
A post-mortem has taken place, with further tests ongoing to provide clarity on this tragic death.
