Police watchdog called in after death of 35-year-old who was found in distressed state trying to enter back gardens in Lewisham borough

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

England’s police watchdog has begun an investigation into the death of a man who died after being restrained.



Scotland Yard said police were called on Friday afternoon to Polsted Road in Lewisham, south-east London, where a man was trying to get into the rear gardens of homes.

The Metropolitan police and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said the 35-year-old man appeared to be having a mental health crisis and footage from body-worn cameras showed he was in an agitated state.

The man was restrained at the scene, the IOPC said, then an ambulance was called and paramedics had arrived by the time he became unwell. He was taken by ambulance to Lewisham hospital where he died.

His next of kin were informed and a post-mortem was pending.

The IOPC regional director Jonathan Green said: “Our investigators have begun reviewing body-worn video footage obtained from all officers who attended the incident and are undertaking door-to-door enquiries in the area.

“My thoughts are with the man’s family and friends and to all those affected at this time and we will look to issue more information when appropriate.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Tara McGovern of Lewisham police said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased at this extremely difficult time.

“Where a person dies following contact with the police it is right and proper that police refer the incident to an independent body to review the circumstances surrounding the death, which happened immediately in relation to this incident.

“We are reassured to know that the deceased’s family is being supported and we are offering support to the officers involved in the police response.

“We are, and will continue to, provide our full support and co-operation to the IOPC investigation.”

With the Press Association