A criminal probe has been launched into two police officers accused of failing to provide sufficient first aid to a knife attack victim who later died in hospital.
The officers, who have not been named, were flagged down by a resident who found Usmaan Mahmood, 20, dying from knife wounds suffered in Sandfield Road, Thornton Heath on June 13.
Police watchdog IOPC (Independent Office of Police Conduct) statement said the officers, patrolling in a marked police car, found Mr Mahmood and called an ambulance before another unit arrived “minutes later” and started performing CPR immediately.
The watchdog said its probe was looking into the contact the Met officers had with Mr Mahmood including whether the “first aid provided was appropriate and timely”.
The two officers have been informed that their actions are under investigation for gross misconduct and both are also under criminal investigation for misconduct in public office.
The IOPC stressed this decision does not mean that criminal charges or disciplinary proceedings will necessarily follow.
An IOPC statement said: “The day after the incident, another member of the public raised concerns to the MPS that the first two officers did not appear to provide sufficient first aid to Mr Mahmood.”
IOPC Director Mel Palmer said: “Our thoughts are with the family of Usmaan Mahmood and everyone affected by his death.
“A member of the public raised concerns about the actions of the officers. It’s important that we progress our independent investigation to establish the full circumstances, including the decision-making of the officers involved.
“We have been in regular contact with Mr Mahmood’s family to update them on the investigation.
“Once it’s completed, we will decide whether to make a referral to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision, and also decide whether any of the officers involved should face disciplinary proceedings.”
Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain, local commander for the area, said: “Our thoughts are with Mr Mahmood’s family at this difficult time with the loss of their loved one.”
A Met spokesman said: “We made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct after concerns were raised about the care provided to the victim by initial responding officers prior to other police arriving minutes later and giving CPR.
“We are providing every assistance as the IOPC carries out its enquiries, alongside the ongoing work of the murder investigation team.”
Joshua Munoz, 19, has been charged with Mr Mahmood’s murder.
