The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation following the death of a man who fell and hit his head during a search by London’s Metropolitan Police. Omar Bachir, aged 45, was arrested by Met officers at Stratford Magistrates’ Court in east London after reports of him threatening security staff.

During the arrest, Bachir was searched outside the building when he fell and hit his head on a step. He was then taken into custody, where he was assessed by a medic before being sent to the hospital. Later that evening, Bachir was discharged back to the custody centre. However, he became unconscious in his cell.

Efforts were made to resuscitate him, and he was transported to the hospital by ambulance. Tragically, Bachir passed away on August 1, four days after the incident occurred.

The IOPC has stated that it is investigating the contact between the police officers and Bachir leading up to his death. This includes examining the circumstances surrounding his arrest, the actions of the officers at the custody center, and the first aid provided to Bachir.

Charmaine Arbouin, the regional director of the IOPC, expressed condolences to Bachir’s family, stating, “Our thoughts are with Mr. Bachir’s family. We have been in contact to explain our role and advise them of the next steps.”

Arbouin emphasised the IOPC’s commitment to conducting an independent investigation into Bachir’s death, saying, “We will continue to independently investigate Mr. Bachir’s death as we work to establish the full circumstances and the actions of the Metropolitan Police staff involved.”

A post-mortem examination has already been conducted, but further testing is being carried out to gather additional information.