Met Police should investigate itself over arrest of 'Putney pusher' suspect, watchdog says

The Metropolitan Police should investigate itself over the arrest of a man suspected of being the "Putney pusher", who was found dead at his home earlier this month, a watchdog has said.

On Friday, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said in a statement: "We received a mandatory referral from the Metropolitan Police on 16 September relating to prior contact officers had with Nicholas Brandram, who was sadly declared deceased on 15 September.

"After carefully considering the referral, we have decided that an investigation is required and that the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards should conduct it.

"We have recommended the review considers matters including the necessity and proportionality of arrest, what engagement was there with the media and considerations made in relation to Mr Brandram's welfare and the relevant policy."

The family of Mr Brandram, 44, said in a statement in response that the investigation should be "thorough, independent and unflinching in establishing what went wrong".

They had previously said Mr Brandram "took his own life" following his arrest in June this year on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm.

They said he had endured "months of immense pressure" caused by the Metropolitan Police investigation.

The former banker was found dead at his home in Chiswick, west London, earlier this month.

Mr Brandram's death had not been considered suspicious, and there was "no evidence of third-party involvement", an inquest heard on Tuesday.

The Met had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over its contact with Mr Brandram, who was released under investigation following his arrest.

The force said on 17 September that its investigation into the Putney Bridge incident remains "ongoing" following the death of Mr Brandram.

Police launched an appeal in 2017 after a woman was pushed into the bus lane and the path of an oncoming bus on Putney Bridge.

The driver was called a hero for his quick reaction after he swerved and managed to avoid hitting her by inches.

The 33-year-old victim suffered minor injuries and CCTV footage, showing a male jogger knocking the woman to the ground, was released by the Met Police shortly afterwards in a bid to find the suspect. It was viewed millions of times online.

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Police said a man was arrested in June this year and then released under investigation, without being charged with any offence. He was additionally arrested on suspicion of possession of class A and class B drugs.

The Met previously said Mr Brandram's death is being treated as "unexpected" but not suspicious.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.

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