Man dies in hospital after police raced to a house following reviews a baby was being assaulted

Police are investigating the death of a man after officers raced to a home following reports a child was being assaulted. 

Metropolitan Police officers were called to High Street, south Norwood in the early hours of Sunday February 16 following reports that a child was being assaulted. 

After they gained entry to a property, they found a 45-year-old man who was experiencing a medical emergency. 

According to police, the man was ‘very agitated’ and ‘actively resisting against officers’ who restrained him and contacted paramedics. 

The man was then transported to hospital via ambulance where he later died. His next of kin have been informed. 

The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards has made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is standard practice when a person dies or suffers serious injury after contact with the police or while in their custody.  

Commander Andy Brittain, who is overseeing the police response to the call out, said: ‘Our thoughts are with the family of the man who has died. We will ensure they are fully supported.

Metropolitan Police officers were called to High Street, south Norwood in the early hours of Sunday February 16

The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards has made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) (stock image) 

‘I know the community in South Norwood will want to be reassured that the incident was handled appropriately. The IOPC is conducting an investigation to provide that independent scrutiny.

‘We must also acknowledge the impact that incidents like this have on the officers involved.

‘In this case they were responding to an emergency call involving a child in danger and on arrival at the scene, were met with a very challenging situation.

‘No officer ever wants to be involved in an incident where someone loses their life and we will ensure they get all the support they need.’