Met Police Chief Defends Investigation After Suspect's Death

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has broken his silence on the investigation into Nicholas Brandram, a suspect in the 'Putney Pusher' case, who was found dead at his home in Chiswick, Hounslow. Brandram, 44, a banker and former Army officer, was arrested in June in connection with an incident on Putney Bridge in 2017 where a jogger pushed a woman into the path of a bus. He had been released under investigation.

A statement from Brandram's immediate family claimed he took his own life following months of intense pressure from the Metropolitan Police investigation. The Met referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) regarding its contact with Brandram. The IOPC subsequently directed the Met to investigate itself, examining aspects such as the necessity and proportionality of the arrest, media dealings, and Brandram's welfare.

Police Commissioner's Response

Speaking on LBC, Sir Mark Rowley stated that the investigation had been ongoing and new information led to Brandram being treated as a suspect. He addressed the family's complaint, saying, "Every criminal suspect, of course they're under pressure. That is that is obvious. I'm not going to apologise for that." He added that the force must review the family's complaints, which suggest Brandram was "obviously innocent," alongside continuing the investigation.

Sir Mark also commented on the family's assertion that a DNA test that would prove Brandram's innocence was not processed quickly enough. Brandram had provided a DNA sample two months before his death, but the results were not received by the family. It remains unclear if the DNA has been processed. Sir Mark downplayed the significance of DNA evidence in this context, stating, "I think the DNA is not as significant as has been pretended in the media." He explained that the absence of DNA would not necessarily prove innocence, comparing it to a physical push where DNA might not be recovered.

Inquest Opened

An inquest into Nicholas Brandram's death was opened and suspended at West London Coroner's Court on 22 September. The court heard that Brandram failed to attend a planned family meal on the evening of 15 September. His brother-in-law found him in an upstairs room at his home. Paramedics attended, but he was pronounced deceased at 8.58pm. The coroner stated that the death was not considered suspicious and there was no evidence of third-party involvement. A full inquest will be scheduled for a later date.

When questioned about whether the 'Putney Pusher' could still be at large, Sir Mark Rowley indicated that the investigation is continuing. He stated, "We have a suspect, he died, family have complained. We need to continue with that." He suggested it was possible the person being investigated was still the perpetrator or that the investigation would continue to determine the facts.