Watchdog Demands Probe Into Met Police Handling of ‘Putney Pusher’ Suspect’s Death

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has ruled that the Metropolitan Police must launch an internal investigation into how it handled the case of Nicholas Brandram, the man suspected of being the “Putney Pusher.” The directive comes following the discovery of Brandram’s body at his London home on 15 September.

Brandram, a 44-year-old banker, was under investigation for allegedly pushing a woman into the path of a bus on Putney Bridge in west London in May 2017. His family stated that he took his own life due to the “immense pressure” caused by the ongoing police inquiry.

Following Brandram’s death, the Met made a mandatory referral to the IOPC. After reviewing the referral, the watchdog confirmed that an investigation was necessary and designated the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards to conduct it.

In a statement, the IOPC specified that the review would examine several key areas, including the necessity and proportionality of the arrest, the force’s engagement with the media, and the steps taken to assess Brandram’s welfare during the investigation.

The watchdog added that if the Met’s professional standards unit concludes there was no potential misconduct, the final report must still be submitted to the IOPC for further review.

Assistant Chief Superintendent Dan Knowles acknowledged the severe strain that being subject to a police investigation can impose. He confirmed that the Directorate of Professional Standards would proceed with the investigation, while noting that the inquiry into the original 2017 incident remains active.

Brandram’s family has maintained their stance that he was not the individual responsible for the 2017 attack, having previously expressed their grief and frustration to the BBC.