A MAN has died after being restrained by officers attending reports of a “child being assaulted” inside a house.
The man, 45, suffered a medical emergency after “actively resisting” officers at a property in South Norwood, London, at 1.27am on Sunday.
Police had earlier received a report of a child being assaulted, before forcing entry into the property.
Officers then found the man was “experiencing a medical emergency” and was “actively resisting”.
He was subsequently restrained before paramedics rushed to the scene.
The man was taken to hospital in an ambulance, but became seriously unwell and later died.
The Metropolitan Police has referred itself to the watchdog Independent Office for Police Conduct following the man’s death.
Commander Andy Brittain said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the man who has died.
“We will ensure they are fully supported.
“I know the community in South Norwood will want to be reassured that the incident was handled appropriately.”
Police confirmed the man’s next of kin have been informed.
Commander Brittain continued: “The IOPC is conducting an investigation to provide that independent scrutiny.
“We must also acknowledge the impact that incidents like this have on the officers involved.
“In this case they were responding to an emergency call involving a child in danger and on arrival at the scene, were met with a very challenging situation.
“No officer ever wants to be involved in an incident where someone loses their life and we will ensure they get all the support they need.”
Metropolitan Police confirmed that a referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and that the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards was aware of the case.
In a statement, the Met said: “A referral in these circumstances is not an indication that officers are believed to have done anything wrong.
“It is a mandatory step when anyone dies or suffers serious injury following contact with the police or while in their custody.”
