Mandatory referral made to IOPC following man's death in Colindale

The Met has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following the death of a man in Colindale.

Police were called at around 01:00hrs on Sunday, 19 May, to reports of a fight and criminal damage outside Colindale Underground Station.

Officers attended the scene. On seeing police, a man entered the underground station.

Officers followed and attempted to detain the man inside the station, but he made off onto the tracks and was subsequently fatally injured. Colleagues from the British Transport Police (BTP) are investigating the circumstances and supporting the man’s family.

It is a mandatory requirement that where the police have contact with a person who subsequently dies or sustains serious injuries, the matter is referred to the IOPC.

Superintendent Lorraine Busby-McVey, responsible for policing in Barnet, said: “This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the family of the man who very sadly lost his life. We are in close contact with our colleagues at BTP who are providing specialist support to his loved ones. We will continue to help them in any way we can.

“We know this incident will cause concern in the local community and we will be on hand to answer any questions that may arise. We have strong links into key partners and community leaders and will encourage a two-way dialogue where concerns can be discussed.

“Officers know their actions in such circumstances will be carefully reviewed as part of well-established practices. In parallel with the investigation by BTP, officers from our Directorate of Professional Standards have referred the matter to the IOPC, a mandatory requirement in cases of deaths following contact with the police.

“The IOPC will decide if an investigation is required and who should carry this out.”