The Metropolitan Police Service (Met) has been updated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following the death of a man at Colindale Underground Station. A mandatory referral was made to the IOPC due to the contact officers had with the man prior to his death.

Police were called at around 1am on Sunday, 19 May, to reports of a fight and criminal damage outside the station. Upon arrival, officers observed a man who, upon seeing the police, entered the underground station. Officers followed and attempted to detain the man inside the station. However, he fled onto the tracks and was subsequently fatally injured.

Colleagues from the British Transport Police (BTP) are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and are providing support to the man’s family.

As per mandatory requirements, any incident where police have contact with a person who subsequently dies or sustains serious injuries must be referred to the IOPC. After reviewing the referral, which included a thorough examination of the officers’ body-worn video footage, the IOPC decided that an investigation was not required and referred the matter back to the Met. Following this, detectives from the Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) assessed the situation and concluded that no further investigation was necessary.

BTP officers, who are supporting the man’s family, have informed them of the IOPC’s decision and the DPS’s assessment.

Superintendent Lorraine Busby-McVey, responsible for policing in Barnet, stated: “This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the family of the man who very sadly lost his life. It is only right the matter was reviewed by the IOPC given the circumstances, and we thank them for their swift work in reaching this outcome – which is helpful to all those involved. Our colleagues from BTP will now progress the investigation, and we will be providing statements from the officers involved to assist their inquiries.”

The investigation by BTP continues as they seek to fully understand the events leading up to this unfortunate incident.

Metropolitan Police Service
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