Met Police investigated by watchdog after man dies

Omar Bachir fell and hit his head outside Stratford Magistrates' Court in east London as police searched him

A watchdog is investigating after a man died in hospital four days after falling and hitting his head during a search by London's Metropolitan Police.

Omar Bachir, 45, was arrested by Met officers at Stratford Magistrates' Court, east London, after reports a man was threatening security staff.

He was searched outside the building, fell and hit his head on a step.

Mr Bachir was taken into custody, where he was assessed by a medic and sent to hospital.

Police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), said he was discharged back to the custody centre that evening during the July incident, but became unconscious in his cell.

He was given CPR and taken to hospital by ambulance, but died on 1 August.

The IOPC said it was investigating the contact between police officers and Mr Bachir before he died.

This includes his arrest, officers' actions at the custody centre and the first aid provided.

IOPC regional director Charmaine Arbouin said: "Our thoughts are with Mr Bachir's family. We have been in contact to explain our role and advise them of the next steps.

"We will continue to independently investigate Mr Bachir's death as we work to establish the full circumstances and the actions of the Metropolitan Police staff involved."

A post-mortem examination has been carried out but further testing is taking place.

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