The police watchdog is to investigate the death of man restrained by officers attending reports of a “child being assaulted” inside a house in south London.
The 45-year-old suffered a medical emergency after “actively resisting” police at a property in High Street, South Norwood.
He was taken to hospital by ambulance at 1.27am on Sunday, February 16.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct said a post-mortem has been carried out and it awaiting further tests. He has not yet been formally identified.
Metropolitan Police officers were called the address following a report of concerns that a child may be being assaulted.
Shortly after the arrived, the man was arrested and handcuffed.
Police body-worn video shows him resisting officers after being restrained and was then held on a bed.
He remained in an agitated state and officers requested the London Ambulance Service over concerns about his behaviour.
His condition deteriorated and he was transported to hospital where he sadly died at around 3.40am.
We have begun an investigation into the death of a man following his arrest by @metpoliceuk officers in south London earlier this month.
— Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) (@policeconduct) February 24, 2025
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IOPC Director Amanda Rowe said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends, and all those affected by his death.
“We understand that his death while in police custody will be a matter of concern for them, the local community and the wider public.
“I want to reassure people that we are undertaking a thorough, robust and independent investigation into all of the circumstances surrounding his death.
“We will continue to gather evidence to piece together the events that took place. We have been in contact with the man’s partner to explain our role and will keep them updated as our enquiries progress.”
