Tragedy struck in Peckham just before 1.30am on April 12 when police were called to a man threatening to jump from a balcony.
Officers tried for over an hour to coax the man back inside. During the standoff, the man was tasered while on the balcony. He then fell several floors to the ground below.
The man was rushed to hospital with serious injuries but sadly died shortly after arriving.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched a full inquiry into the incident. Officers’ bodycam footage is being reviewed, and additional evidence is being gathered.
Detective Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh, head of policing in Lambeth and Southwark, said, “I know the community will be concerned about this tragic death, and I share their concern. All police officers are aware that their actions will be scrutinised in situations like these, and the Met fully supports the IOPC’s independent investigation.”
Police are currently trying to locate the man’s next of kin. An official identification and post-mortem will be arranged in due course.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed: “Police were called at 1.24am to concerns for a man threatening to jump from a Peckham balcony. The London Ambulance Service attended, but sadly the man died later in hospital.”
The IOPC spokeswoman added: “Officers were at the scene for over an hour, attempted to talk the man inside, and discharged a Taser on the balcony before he fell several floors. We are in early stages of our investigation and reviewing bodycam footage.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
