Police watchdog launches probe after man dies following restraint

The police watchdog has begun an investigation into the death of a man who died after being restrained.

Scotland Yard said they were alerted by a call at around 2.20pm on Friday from a member of the public saying that a man was trying to get into the rear gardens of homes on Polsted Road in Lewisham, south-east London.

The Metropolitan Police have reported that the 35-year-old man appeared to be having a mental health crisis and footage from body-worn cameras show he was in an agitated state, according to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The man was restrained at the scene, the IOPC said.

An ambulance was called and paramedics had arrived by the time he became unwell. He was taken to Lewisham Hospital by ambulance where he died.

His next of kin have been informed. A post-mortem has yet to be set.

IOPC regional director Jonathan Green said: "Our investigators have begun reviewing body-worn video footage obtained from all officers who attended the incident and are undertaking door-to-door enquiries in the area.

"My thoughts are with the man's family and friends and to all those affected at this time and we will look to issue more information when appropriate."

Detective Chief Superintendent Tara McGovern of Lewisham Police said: "Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased at this extremely difficult time.

"Where a person dies following contact with the police it is right and proper that police refer the incident to an independent body to review the circumstances surrounding the death, which happened immediately in relation to this incident.

"We are reassured to know that the deceased's family is being supported and we are offering support to the officers involved in the police response.

"We are, and will continue to, provide our full support and co-operation to the IOPC investigation."