The police officer who initially restrained a man whose death sparked violent street protests is being investigated for gross misconduct, the police watchdog has said.
Rashan Charles, 20, died on July 22 having earlier been apprehended by Metropolitan Police officers after running into a shop in Dalston, east London.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating his death, and said “the officer may have breached the police standards of professional behaviour regarding the detention and restraint of Rashan as well as how he dealt with Rashan’s medical emergency”.
Its investigators have formally notified the officer who initially restrained Mr Charles that he is being investigated for gross misconduct.
IPCC commissioner Cindy Butts said: “The IPCC investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Rashan Charles in Hackney on 22 July has entered a new phase.
“IPCC investigators have formally notified the officer who initially restrained Rashan that he is being investigated for gross misconduct.
Makeshift road blocks were set alight in protest (Lauren Hurley/PA)
“The officer may have breached the police standards of professional behaviour regarding the detention and restraint of Rashan as well as how he dealt with Rashan’s medical emergency.”
Ms Butts said investigators have analysed the CCTV and body worn video evidence gathered and considered the officer’s detailed statement as well as statements from other witnesses to the incident.
“While this move indicates a new phase in our investigation, it does not necessarily mean misconduct proceedings will follow,” she added. “We will keep the position under review as the investigation progresses.”
Riot police attended a protest in Kingsland Road in east London (Lauren Hurley/PA)
The IPCC previously said it had found that after Mr Rashan was detained, attempts were made to remove an object from his mouth or throat.
It was later revealed that a package removed from his throat contained a mixture of caffeine and paracetamol.
A lorry attempted to drive through the road block erected in protest at the death of Rashan Charles (Lauren Hurley/PA)
The opening into his inquest last month heard that there had been two post-mortem examinations carried out on the unemployed man, who lived in south west London – the second on behalf of his family and the police.
But coroner’s officer David Brereton said no medical cause of death has been offered, pending the results of toxicology and other tests.
A Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) spokesman said: “It is absolutely vital that the facts of what took place are thoroughly established as quickly as possible through an independent examination of all the available evidence.
“The thoughts of the MPS are with the family of Mr Charles at this incredibly difficult time for them.
“All police officers are fully aware that they will be asked to account for their actions. No officer is above the law and they would not wish to be.
“The MPS continues to provide every possible support to the police officer and their colleagues while fully co-operating with the IPCC investigation.”
The family of Rashan Charles, including his father Esa (second right) (Lauren Hurley/PA)
He added that the force would review whether any restrictions should be placed on the officer.
Mr Charles’s family have previously expressed concerns over the “openness and transparency” of the IPCC investigation into his death.
A full inquest is expected to be held in front of a jury next June.
A peaceful demonstration organised in the wake of Mr Charles’s death was followed by a further protest which turned to violence and disorder.
Protesters set several small fires and threw bottles and fireworks at police officers as unrest broke out on July 28.
Police said no one was seriously injured, although an officer suffered an eye injury.
Detectives are still looking to trace some of those involved.