Tragedy on River Lee Towpath After Police Chase
Just after 9.15pm on Wednesday, 7 October, North London’s Central East robbery taskforce was patrolling the River Lee towpath in Tottenham on bicycles. Their route stretched between Ferry Lane N15 and Markfield Park when they spotted a group of males.
The officers detained one man on the spot. Two others jumped on pushbikes and fled, sparking a dramatic pursuit along the towpath.
Man Rescued from River, Another Still Missing
During the chase, police pulled one of the suspects from the water of the River Lee Navigation and arrested him. However, the other male vanished without a trace.
Specialist marine police teams, backed by the National Police Air Service, launched an intensive overnight search for the missing man. The hunt carried on into the early hours.
Body Discovered, Investigation Underway
At around 9.50am the following morning, Thursday 8 October, officers recovered a male body from the river. Police are working to identify him and confirm if he is the man who escaped during the chase.
A road closure remains in place on Ferry Lane N15 between Mills Mead Road and Bream Close as the investigation continues.
The two men detained face charges of possession of offensive weapons and remain in custody at North London police stations.
Police Respond to Community Concern
Commander Paul Brogden said: “I fully recognise the concern this incident will cause among members of the local community. The matter was referred by our Directorate of Professional Standards to the Independent Office for Police Conduct who have confirmed that they are independently investigating this tragic incident, and how the males came to be in the water.
“Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased male and we will do everything we can to support the IOPC investigation.”
