Watchdog: Met must probe Putney pusher arrest after suspect's death

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has directed the Metropolitan Police's Directorate of Professional Standards to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Nicholas Brandram. Mr Brandram, 44, was arrested in June in connection with the 2017 incident on Putney Bridge where a woman was pushed into the path of an oncoming bus. He was found unresponsive at his home on Cranbrook Road, Chiswick, on September 15.

Family Allege Pressure Led to Death

A statement released on behalf of Mr Brandram's family asserted that he took his own life following months of significant pressure stemming from the Metropolitan Police investigation. The family stated that there was no forensic evidence connecting Mr Brandram to the Putney Bridge incident, nor evidence placing him at the scene or identifying him from footage. They claim the evidence actually proved the opposite.

The family's statement detailed that police arrested Mr Brandram instead of inviting him for an interview. His home was searched, and information was subsequently released by the Met Police press team, leading to public speculation and his identification in media reports. The family stated that Mr Brandram was left for months carrying the stigma of an allegation that the police themselves recognised was not supported by evidence.

According to the family, they repeatedly asked the police to end the investigation and warned of its impact on Mr Brandram's mental health. They stated that the investigation was not concluded, and as a result, Mr Brandram is now deceased. The Metropolitan Police confirmed on September 17 that their investigation into the Putney Bridge incident remains ongoing following Mr Brandram's death.

IOPC Mandates Internal Review

The IOPC received a mandatory referral from the Metropolitan Police on September 16 concerning prior contact officers had with Mr Brandram. Following a review, the watchdog determined an investigation was necessary. The IOPC has recommended that the review by the Directorate of Professional Standards consider the necessity and proportionality of the arrest, the engagement with the media, and considerations made regarding Mr Brandram's welfare and relevant policy.

If the internal investigation concludes without identifying any potential misconduct by officers, the Metropolitan Police's final report must be submitted to the IOPC for independent oversight. Mr Brandram had been released under investigation following his arrest in June.