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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Margaret Davis & Liam Buckler

Man who died after tasered by police and jumping into Thames was carrying firelighter

A man who died after being tasered by police and then jumped into the Thames was carrying a firelighter, a watchdog has said.

Footage of the incident on social media had shown Oladeji Adeyemi Omishore, 41, being tasered before running over to the side of Chelsea Bridge and jumping over the barrier into the River Thames.

He was initially reported to have been in possession of a screwdriver when police officers were called to the bridge in west London on June 4.

On Tuesday, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is investigating what happened, said he had been carrying a plastic and metal firelighter.

The 41-year-old was tasered by police before running over to the side of the bridge (Facebook)

The watchdog also confirmed Mr Omishore's name for the first time, although he had previously been identified by neighbours.

An inquest into his death was opened and adjourned on June 15.

IOPC regional director Sal Naseem said: "Our thoughts remain with Mr Omishore's family and all of those affected by his death.

"We continue to liaise with his family and to keep them updated on the progress of our independent investigation.

"Our investigators continue to gather and analyse key evidence, including footage recorded at the scene and initial accounts from officers and members of the public.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is investigating what happened, said he had been carrying a plastic and metal firelighter (UKNIP)

"We would urge anyone else who may have witnessed or recorded any part of the incident, either on the bridge or after Mr Omishore entered the river, to get in touch with us without delay.

"It is important we understand all of the circumstances surrounding his death."

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."

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