The Metropolitan Police have been cleared of any wrongdoing after a man died on railway tracks in Hounslow during a police pursuit in April 2021. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) conducted a thorough investigation and confirmed that officers followed proper pursuit and driving protocols.
Jafur Saker, aged 32, died on April 20, 2021, after fleeing a police chase and coming into contact with an electrified railway line near Hounslow Railway Station. The incident began shortly after midnight in Whitton, when officers pursued a black Audi suspected of carrying false number plates. The pursuit lasted approximately 15 minutes.
At around 12:15 am, Saker exited the vehicle, which then crashed into metal railings near the station entrance. He ran into the station and jumped onto the railway tracks, where he fatally touched the electrified line.
The inquest into Saker’s death concluded on March 10, ruling the death as misadventure. The jury found that the police pursuit was proportionate and fully complied with guidelines. They noted that Saker had multiple opportunities to stop but chose not to. His decision to enter the dangerous railway tracks was deemed deliberate.
The IOPC investigation reviewed all available evidence, including officers’ statements, input from police and rail staff, and bodycam footage. While no criminal or disciplinary offences were found against the officers involved, one officer was found to have made an inappropriate remark after Saker’s contact with the railway line. The IOPC required that officer to undergo reflective practice.
The watchdog also criticised the Metropolitan Police for a delayed and inadequate notification to Saker’s family about his death. The police force has since issued an apology for this mishandling.
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe said, “Our thoughts remain with Mr Saker’s family and friends. The pursuit was appropriate, but the officer’s comments were concerning and are being addressed. We welcome the force’s apology for delays in informing the family, which undoubtedly added to their distress.”
The full IOPC report has been shared with Saker’s family and the Coroner to provide clarity on this tragic case.
Originally published by UKNIP.
