The heartbroken family of a man who died after falling from a bridge in London after being Tasered by police have paid their tributes.
Following a recent investigation into the case, the family have now spoken out about it and questioned why the officers involved in the incident are still on active duty, report My London.
Oladeji Adeyemi Omishore, 41, who was carrying a firelighter - not a screwdriver as initial police reports said - died on June 4.
The family's 'beloved son' fell off Chelsea Bridge in London after coming into contact with two police officers who Tasered the 41-year-old.
Although Mr Omishore was originally reported to be carrying a screwdriver, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is investigating what happened, said he had been actually been carrying a plastic and metal firelighter.
The inquest into his death was adjourned on June 15.
His devastated family have now released a statement through Inquest Organisation, welcoming the investigation, the family said: "Deji was a beloved son, brother, friend who was creative, musically gifted and talented.
"Not only was he caring and funny, he also had a great appreciation for arts, nature and his local neighbourhood.
"We are deeply distressed by the events leading up to Oladeji's death and are engaging fully in the IOPC investigation to seek answers. We welcome the long overdue correction that all Oladeji had in his possession at the time was a lighter.
“Deji was clearly suffering from a mental health crisis and he was vulnerable and frightened.
"We have set out our concerns to the IOPC about how the officers communicated with him, their repeated use of force on him, and its impact.
"We have seen the 2021 IOPC report on the use of Taser, which shows clear racial disparity in the use of Tasers within Black and minority communities, and other risk factors in the use of Taser that are relevant to this case (such as increased risks associated with mental health, use of Taser in dangerous circumstances and the use of Taser for compliance purposes).
"We sincerely hope that the IOPC investigation, and ultimately the inquest, will hold the Metropolitan Police accountable for their actions and also shed further light on the very necessary policy and social justice changes that we need to see to rebuild public confidence and trust in the police.
"In the meantime, while the investigations are still underway, we are concerned that the officers who had contact with Deji remain on active duty.”
Footage of the incident posted on social media showed the 41-year-old being Tasered before running over to the side of the bridge and apparently jumping over the barrier into the River Thames.
Kate Maynard of Hickman and Rose solicitors, who represent the family, said: “In these cases, the early experiences of a bereaved family and any intentional mis-shaping of the narrative in demonising the deceased and a failure to very quickly put the record straight can understandably lead to a lack of trust and faith in the investigations that follow.
"The family seeks answers as to: Why the MPS put out a press release when the investigation had already been declared independent by the IOPC.
"Why the MPS referred to a screwdriver when the cigarette lighter had been seized by them and was in their possession. Why it took so long for the lighter to be handed over by the MPS and/or examined by the IOPC and the (family and) public record corrected.”
A post-mortem examination was carried out on June 13 and IOPC investigators are waiting for a pathologist’s report to give cause of death. The IOPC said: "We have confirmed Mr Omishore was holding a plastic and metal firelighter when he was approached by two officers on Chelsea Bridge. The initial report to police stated he had a screwdriver. A Taser was discharged by one of the officers prior to the man entering the river. It has been confirmed the Taser was discharged more than once."
Anyone with information can contact the IOPC on 0300 3035579 or email chelseabridge@policeconduct.gov.uk.
