Update from IOPC after death of man in Colindale

The Met has been updated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following the death of a man in Colindale.

A mandatory referral was made to the IOPC due to contact officers had with the man before he died at Colindale underground station.

Police were called at around 01:00hrs on Sunday, 19 May, to reports of a fight and criminal damage outside the 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 police have contact with a person who subsequently dies or sustains serious injuries, the matter is referred to the IOPC.

Following an assessment of the referral, including a review of the officers’ body worn video, the IOPC decided that an investigation was not required and referred the matter back to the Met to handle as we deemed fit. Following this, detectives from the Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) have made an assessment and concluded that no further investigation is required.

Officers from BTP who are providing support to the man’s family have informed them of this development.

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.

“It is only right the matter was reviewed by the IOPC given the circumstances, and we thank them for their swift work in reaching this outcome - which is helpful to all those involved. Our colleagues from BTP will now progress the investigation and we will be providing statements from the officers involved to assist their enquiries.”