Man dies on Tube tracks after being chased by police in Colindale

The Metropolitan Police has referred itself to a watchdog after a man died on Tube tracks in north London.

Officers were alerted to reports of a fight and criminal damage outside Colindale Underground Station.

On seeing police, the trespasser entered the building around 1am on Sunday.

He was followed and officers attempted to detain him inside the station, but he made off onto the tracks and was subsequently fatally injured.

British Transport Police investigated circumstances and will support the deceased’s family.

Scotland Yard said its mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct is mandatory requirement where contact was made with a person who subsequently dies or sustains serious injury.

Superintendent Lorraine Busby-McVey, responsible for policing in Barnet, said: “This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the family of the man who very sadly lost his life.

“We are in close contact with our colleagues at BTP who are providing specialist support to his loved ones.

“We will continue to help them in any way we can.

“We know this incident will cause concern in the local community and we will be on hand to answer any questions that may arise.

“We have strong links into key partners and community leaders and will encourage a two-way dialogue where concerns can be discussed.

“Officers know their actions in such circumstances will be carefully reviewed as part of well-established practices.

“In parallel with the investigation by BTP, officers from our Directorate of Professional Standards have referred the matter to the IOPC, a mandatory requirement in cases of deaths following contact with the police.

“The IOPC will decide if an investigation is required and who should carry this out.”

Paramedics and the Met’s helicopter also attended.

After the incident, there was no Northern line service between Golders Green and Edgware.

An IOPC spokesman said: “We were notified by the Met Police on Sunday about an incident where a man was found dead on train tracks at Colindale tube station, north London, where there was recent police contact shortly before his death.

“We sent investigators to attend the police post incident procedures to gather further information and have subsequently received a referral from the force, which we are assessing and will decide whether further action is required from us.”