Man dies in hospital days after being handcuffed by police
Footage recorded by police’s body cameras will be reviewed
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A man who was put in handcuffs by police after reportedly behaving “erratically” has died in hospital.
Metropolitan Police officers were called to a house in James Gardens in Wood Green, north London, at 8.10pm on Thursday, following concerns for the man who lived at the address.
The man, who was in his 30s, was carrying a knife and people with him were “extremely concerned” over his behaviour, police said.
The Met Police said that they found him in “clear distress” and that they tried to calm him down.
When they realised he required medical help, they called for an ambulance and placed him “briefly in handcuffs” because they feared that the man may harm himself or others – the force added.
The ambulance took him to a north London hospital where his condition deteriorated, and he died just before 7pm on Saturday, Scotland Yard said. The man’s identity has not been revealed to the public.
The man’s family have been notified of his death and the Met Police’s directorate of professional standards and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) have been informed, police said.
The IOPC is a body that investigates complaints made over the use of force by police officers, but mainly oversees investigations carried out by the force’s own professional standards departments.
Chief Superintendent Treena Fleming said it was “usual in such cases” for the IOPC to be informed and a review of officers’ body-worn video will take place.
She added: “This was a very distressing incident, and our thoughts here at North Area are with the man’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
“A thorough investigation is under way to fully understand the circumstances.
“Our officers were responding to a call for their help and bravely intervened in a very upsetting scene for those who were witnessing it.
“They prevented the male from receiving further injuries and sought urgent medical attention for him, alongside providing support to the family and ensuring no-one else was injured in the incident.
“I would respectfully ask that people avoid speculation at this time.
“A full review of body-worn video will take place and accounts will be obtained from the officers and any other witnesses to the incident.
“Again, I would stress that such actions are usual in these cases so that we are as transparent as possible in such circumstances and I will ensure that we release further information on the incident as and when we are able to.”
Additional reporting by PA