Family of 'Putney pusher' suspect say he took his own life due to investigation - as Met refers itself to watchdog

The family of a man accused of being the "Putney pusher" has said he "took his own life" due to the Metropolitan Police investigation, as the force referred itself to the police watchdog over how its dealings with him.

Nicholas Brandram, 44, who was arrested in June this year on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm before being released without charge, was found dead on Tuesday night at his home in Chiswick, west London.

His family insisted he was not involved and that he "took his own life after months of immense pressure caused by a Metropolitan Police investigation".

The Met referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) on Thursday afternoon and later issued a statement.

Chief Superintendent Dan Knowles, in charge of policing for South-West London, said: "Our thoughts are with Mr Brandram's family and friends at this deeply distressing time. We recognise the significant impact his death will have on those who knew and loved him. We also understand the strain that being subject to a police investigation can place on individuals and their families.

"The investigation remains ongoing. Following Mr Brandram's release under investigation, it was made clear that enquiries would continue while officers progressed outstanding lines of enquiry and forensic examinations. This remains the position, and further investigative work is ongoing.

"Investigations of this nature, particularly those involving complex evidential and forensic work, can take a number of months to complete as officers gather and assess all available evidence."

An IOPC spokesperson said: "We have received a mandatory referral from the Met Police relating to prior contact officers had with Nicholas Brandram, who was sadly found unresponsive and declared deceased on 15 September.

"We are currently assessing the referral before deciding whether further action is required from us."

In a statement published earlier on Thursday, the family accused the force of double standards, saying it was "quick to expose Nick to suspicion and painfully slow to remove it. They failed him. And Nick's family will now live with the consequences of that failure for the rest of our lives.

"Those who knew Nick will remember him for everything that made him the wonderful man he was. We will love him, and miss him, every day."

They added: "Nick was a proud veteran, a father, a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend, and a colleague", adding that messages they have received "speak of his kindness, his loyalty, his humour and the enormous affection people had for him".

The family said there was "no evidence placing him on Putney Bridge at that time, and no credible evidence that he was the man shown in the footage".

"In fact, the evidence proved the opposite."

They said their relative "lived with the shame, anxiety, humiliation, and extraordinary pressure created by a wholly unnecessary investigation".

Police launched an appeal in 2017 after a woman was pushed headfirst into the bus lane and the path of an oncoming bus on Putney Bridge.

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The driver managed to swerve to avoid hitting her by only inches, and was called a hero for his quick reaction.

The 33-year-old victim suffered minor injuries and CCTV footage released by the Met Police shortly afterwards in a bid to find the suspect was viewed millions of times online.

Footage showed the male jogger running past another man on the bridge, before knocking the woman to the ground.

Police said a man was arrested in June this year and then released under investigation, without being charged with any offence.

He was additionally arrested on suspicion of possession of class A and class B drugs.

The Met previously said Mr Brandram's death is being treated as "unexpected" but not suspicious.

Sky News has contacted Scotland Yard for comment.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.

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