Putney Pusher suspect dies as Met Police investigation faces scrutiny

Nicholas Brandram, 44, a suspect in the investigation into the "Putney Pusher" incident, was found unresponsive inside a property in Chiswick on Tuesday evening. The Metropolitan Police confirmed on Thursday that the investigation into the 2017 incident on Putney Bridge remains ongoing.

Ministerial Scrutiny

Police minister Sarah Jones stated that the Metropolitan Police must explain its decision-making processes during the investigation. Ms Jones, the MP for Croydon West, said she would discuss the case with Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley. "It's for them to explain what their decision-making was. They're operationally independent," Ms Jones told Times Radio. She offered condolences to Mr Brandram's family, describing the situation as "a terrible time for them."

Family's Accusations

Mr Brandram's family have blamed the Metropolitan Police for his death, asserting his innocence and claiming he took his own life after "months of immense pressure" caused by the force's investigation. A statement from the family said there was "no credible evidence" linking him to the incident. They further stated that he lived with "shame, anxiety, humiliation, and extraordinary pressure created by a wholly unnecessary investigation," adding that the police were repeatedly warned about the impact on his mental health. "Even then, the investigation was not brought to an end. As a result, Nick is dead," the family's statement read.

Metropolitan Police Response

Chief Superintendent Dan Knowles issued a statement defending the Met's actions. He expressed thoughts for Mr Brandram's family and friends during this "deeply distressing time" and acknowledged the "significant impact his death will have on those who knew and loved him." He also recognised "the strain that being subject to a police investigation can place on individuals and their families." The statement concluded by reiterating that the investigation into the Putney Bridge incident "remains ongoing."

Investigation Background

Mr Brandram, 44, had been arrested in June in connection with an incident on Putney Bridge on 5 May 2017, where a jogger shoved a woman into the path of an oncoming bus. He was released under investigation following his arrest. The Metropolitan Police also confirmed he was arrested on suspicion of possession of class A and class B drugs. Detectives had identified more than 50 people of interest in their investigation into the Putney Bridge incident before the probe was closed in 2018, with all lines of inquiry reported as exhausted. The force has referred itself to the police watchdog regarding its contact with Mr Brandram.