Two Metropolitan Police officers are under criminal investigation after a man threatening to jump from a fifth-floor balcony was tasered and fell to his death.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said the Met was called to a flat in Rye Hill Park in Peckham, south London, shortly before midnight on 11 April after reports of a man shouting from a balcony.
Officers received no response from inside the flat but forced entry around two hours later after a further report of a man making threats to jump.
They tried to persuade the man to come inside and requested a police negotiator attend the scene. After 2am, some officers left the flat but two remained inside.
The man fell from the balcony railing at around 3.20am, with the IOPC saying there is evidence indicating one of the officers discharged their Taser shortly before this.
He fell five floors to the ground and was taken to hospital with critical injuries. He died later that day and has not yet been formally identified.
The police negotiator had arrived at the scene just before the man fell but had not entered the flat, according to the watchdog.
Officers given gross misconduct notices
The two officers – who have not been named – are under investigation for gross negligence manslaughter, with one also being investigated for unlawful act manslaughter, the IOPC said.
Both officers have also been handed gross misconduct notices for potentially breaching police standards of professional behaviour.
The IOPC will analyse Taser downloads and footage from police bodycams as part of their investigation.
The watchdog said they have been in contact with neighbours and spoken with a witness, as well as making CCTV footage inquiries.
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‘A tragic incident’
IOPC director Amanda Rowe said: “Our thoughts are with the man who died and we sincerely hope that he is formally identified and that his family are able to be notified.
“This was a tragic incident and we recognise that the circumstances surrounding the man’s death have understandably caused concern within the community.
“Our enquiries are still in their early stages and it’s important that we carry out a thorough, independent investigation that will be looking at the full circumstances, including the actions and decision-making of the officers who were present.
“Police officers are able to use force in the course of their duties and we will examine whether any force that was used was reasonable, appropriate and proportionate in these circumstances.
“Following the conclusion of our investigation, we will decide whether to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision and we will determine whether any officers should face disciplinary proceedings.”
