Police Complaints Commission Investigating Arrest of Chiswick Man

After 28 year old theft suspect suffered 'serious spinal injury'

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating the arrest of a 28 year-old-man in Chiswick who has suffered spinal injuries.

On Thursday 30 September at around 11 am police attended an address in Oxford Road North in Chiswick to arrest the man on suspicion of theft from a shop. After gaining no response from knocking on the front door of the first floor flat, the three police officers went to the rear of the block and found the man in the back garden. A window at the rear of the property was open.

The man was subsequently found to have sustained back injuries. He had been arrested, placed in a police van and taken to Chiswick police station. On arrival at the police station an ambulance was requested, and the man was taken to Charing Cross hospital where he remained for several days suffering from spinal injuries.

The incident was referred to the IPCC by the Metropolitan Police Service later the same day. After assessment it has been decided that an independent investigation will be carried out by the IPCC.

IPCC Commissioner Mike Franklin said: “A man has suffered a serious spinal injury and it is right that we look at how this injury occurred. We will undertake an independent investigation into what contact there was with police officers at the time of the arrest.”

October 13, 2010