Police watchdog says Met should investigate itself over Putney Pusher arrest
Met should investigate Putney Pusher arrest, says watchdog

The Metropolitan Police should investigate itself over the arrest of the Putney Pusher suspect who was found dead at his home earlier this month, according to the police watchdog.

Nicholas Brandram, 44, was arrested in June in connection with an incident on Putney Bridge in which a jogger pushed a woman into the path of an oncoming bus in May 2017.

He was found dead inside his West London home on September 15.

Referral to the IOPC

The Met had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over its contact with Mr Brandram, who was released under investigation following his arrest.

On September 17, the Met said that its investigation into the Putney Bridge incident remains “ongoing” following Mr Brandram’s death.

Watchdog's decision

On Friday, the IOPC said: “We have decided that an investigation is required and that the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards should conduct it.

“We have recommended the review considers matters including the necessity and proportionality of arrest, what engagement was there with the media and considerations made in relation to Mr Brandram’s welfare and the relevant policy.”

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.