Man dies after being arrested by police trying to break into Catford property
An incident where a man has died after being detained by police has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Police were called by a member of the public to Polsted Road, Catford, at 2.20pm on Friday, March 9, after reports of a man seen attempting to gain access to the rear gardens of properties at the location.
Officers attended and found a man appearing to be in mental health crisis. Paramedics were called as is standard procedure where it is possible that a person with mental health issues may be detained.
The 35-year-old man was detained at the scene.
The man was taken by London Ambulance Service to a South London hospital where he sadly died a short time later.
His next of kin have been informed. A post-mortem will be scheduled in due course.
The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct who has announced they will investigate the matter independently.
Body worn video footage of the incident has been submitted to the IOPC.
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.”
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
