Putney Pusher suspect's family accuse Met of lying after his death

The family of Nicholas Brandram, who was suspected in the 2017 Putney Bridge incident, have accused the Metropolitan Police of dishonesty and attempting to 'rewrite history' following his death. Brandram, 44, was found deceased at his residence in Chiswick, west London, on Tuesday, 20 September 2026. His relatives stated that he was 'driven by the police' to take his own life after enduring 'months of immense pressure' since his arrest in June.

Conflicting Accounts of Investigation

The family's accusations stem from what they perceive as contradictions in the Metropolitan Police's statements. They claim a detective informed Brandram's legal representatives via email on 7 September 2026 that the investigation was pending the completion of a 'final line of inquiry'. Brandram's sisters and mother believe this referred to a DNA comparison between their relative's DNA and that left by the assailant, which they assert would have exonerated him. However, Chief Superintendent Dan Knowles, leading policing in southwest London, issued a statement on Thursday, 23 September 2026, asserting that 'inquiries would continue while officers progressed outstanding lines of inquiry and forensic examinations'. He added that this position remains unchanged and 'further investigative work is ongoing'.

Brandram's relatives expressed shock and dismay at the police statement released after his death, stating it 'directly contradicts what the police dealing with his case told him while he was alive'. They highlighted an email, seen by The Standard, which indicated the laboratory was unable to provide an estimated time of arrival for the forensic work. The family interpreted this as Brandram being informed that only one final, delayed laboratory step remained before his name could be cleared.

The Putney Bridge Incident

The case concerns an incident on 5 May 2017, when a jogger pushed a woman into the path of an oncoming bus on Putney Bridge during morning rush hour. The woman sustained only minor injuries. CCTV footage showed the jogger running past the victim before the push. Approximately 15 minutes later, the jogger reportedly returned across the bridge and ignored the victim when she attempted to speak with him. Mr Brandram was arrested on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm in June 2026.

At the time of his death, Mr Brandram had been released under investigation, meaning he had not been formally cleared. Police sources suggested to The Sunday Times that DNA testing might not be conclusive, as the sample found on the victim's clothing could have deteriorated or originated from another individual present at the scene. Detectives had previously identified over 50 individuals of interest and arrested two suspects before winding down the initial probe in 2018 due to a lack of viable leads.

Police Referral and Next Steps

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a mandatory referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) on 16 September 2026, following Mr Brandram's death. Chief Superintendent Knowles conveyed his condolences to Mr Brandram's family and friends, acknowledging the distress caused by his death and the strain that police investigations can place on individuals and their families. He noted that complex investigations involving forensic work can take several months to complete. An inquest into Mr Brandram's death is expected to be held in due course.

The Metropolitan Police stated that investigations into Brandram's case are ongoing and multiple lines of inquiry remain active. The family, however, insists that the police are attempting to 'rewrite history' and that their own words in emails prove Brandram was informed of a final DNA comparison as the outstanding investigative step.