Tasered man was carrying a firelighter
A man who died after jumping into the River Thames from Chelsea Bridge on June 4 after being Tasered by police was carrying a firelighter, not a screwdriver as originally believed.
An update on the investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)has confirmed the identity of deceased as 41-year-old Oladeji Adeyemi Omishore, who lived near Chelsea Bridge.
The IOPC statement said: “We have confirmed Mr Omishore was holding a plastic and metal firelighter when he was approached by two officers on Chelsea Bridge. The initial report to police stated he had a screwdriver. A Taser was discharged by one of the officers prior to the man entering the river. It has been confirmed the Taser was discharged more than once.
IOPC Regional Director Sal Naseem said: “Our thoughts remain with Mr Omishore’s family and all of those affected by his death. We continue to liaise with his family and to keep them updated on the progress of our independent investigation.
“Our investigators continue to gather and analyse key evidence, including footage recorded at the scene and initial accounts from officers and members of the public. We would urge anyone else who may have witnessed or recorded any part of the incident, either on the bridge or after Mr Omishore entered the river, to get in touch with us without delay. It is important we understand all of the circumstances surrounding his death.”
A post mortem took place on June 13 and the IOPC is awaiting the pathologist’s report to confirm Mr Omishore’s cause of death.
