Man in Critical Condition After Dramatic Rescue from Thames at Chelsea Bridge
Police Called to Disturbance on Chelsea Bridge Road
Police were scrambled to Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1, around 9pm on Saturday, 4 June, after reports of a man armed with a screwdriver causing a disturbance and shouting aggressively.
Taser Fired But Suspect Flees Into River
Officers confronted the man, believed to be in his 40s, on Chelsea Bridge. They discharged a Taser, but it failed to subdue him safely. In a shocking twist, the man plunged into the River Thames.
RNLI Rescue and Hospitalisation
Emergency services launched a swift rescue operation. The RNLI pulled the man from the water, and he was rushed to hospital in a critical condition. Police are now working to contact his family, who are being supported by specialist officers.
Investigation Underway by Met and Independent Watchdog
The Metropolitan Police’s Directorate of Professional Standards has launched an investigation into the incident. A referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct to ensure transparency.
Detective Chief Inspector Rory Wilkinson said: “My thoughts are with this man, who is extremely unwell in hospital. Officers are making every effort to make contact with his family.
“I understand concerns when harm comes after police contact. All Met officers know they are accountable, and a full investigation is under way to establish exactly what happened.”
