‘Putney pusher’ suspect Nicholas Brandram discovered useless at house after lacking household meal
Nicholas Brandram, 44, who was arrested on suspicion of being the ‘Putney pusher’ and later released under investigation, was found dead at his West London home after he failed to attend a family meal
Nicholas Brandram was discovered unresponsive inside his West London home on September 15(Image: Family Handout/PA Wire)
The man who was arrested on suspicion of being the so-called ‘Putney pusher’ was discovered dead at his home after failing to turn up for a family meal, an inquest has heard.
Nicholas Brandram, 44, was detained in June in connection with an incident on Putney Bridge in which a jogger shoved a woman headfirst into the path of an oncoming bus on May 5, 2017. The former banker was discovered unresponsive inside his West London home on Cranbrook Road, Chiswick, on September 15.
Melanie Lee, area coroner for London West, opened and adjourned an inquest into his death at West London Coroner’s Court on Tuesday afternoon.
The incident happened on Putney Bridge on May 5, 2017(Image:
MET POLICE
)
Opening the inquest, the coroner said: “On the evening of Tuesday September 15 2026, Nicholas did not attend a family meal as planned. His brother-in-law attended Nicholas’s home address and gained access using a spare key provided by a neighbour.
“Upon searching the house, he found Nicholas in an upstairs room. Paramedics attended and despite resuscitation, he was pronounced deceased at 8.58pm.”
The coroner added that the death had not been deemed suspicious and there was “no evidence of third-party involvement”.
A jogger shoved a woman headfirst into the path of an oncoming bus(Image: Met Police)
The Metropolitan Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over its contact with Mr Brandram, who was released under investigation following his arrest.
The force stated on September 17 that its inquiry into the Putney Bridge incident remains “ongoing” following Mr Brandram’s death.
Ms Lee announced on Tuesday: “I have been informed this afternoon that a referral has been made to the IOPC. On that basis I am suspending the inquest.” The coroner emphasised that an “inquest is not a trial” and “nobody and no organisation is on trial”.
The bus managed to swerve to avoid running over the woman(Image: Met Police)
Mr Brandram’s sisters, who attended the inquest, had previously claimed police failed him and broader society. The coroner addressed his family: “I offer my sincere condolences for your loss. I appreciate today will not be an easy day for you.”
His relatives had previously stated they believed the 44-year-old ended his own life after “months of immense pressure” resulting from the Met Police’s inquiry.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Mr Brandram’s sisters Alexia Hicks and Sophie Voelcker claimed he bore no resemblance to the attacker’s description.
Ms Hicks stated there had been “urgency” by the Met to arrest Mr Brandram and ensure this was reported in the media. She added: “I think he couldn’t understand why there wasn’t urgency to help clear his name.”
When life is difficult, Samaritans are here to listen – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.
