Five police officers to be investigated over Edson Da Costa death
Edson Da Costa. Picture: Submitted - Credit: Archant
Five police officers are set to be investigated for potential misconduct in connection with the death of Edson Da Costa.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has announced that are set to formally notify five Metropolitan Police officers that “the level of care they provided Mr Da Costa during restraint and after he became unwell may have constituted misconduct”.
Mr Da Costa, 25, died in June six days after the car he was travelling in was stopped by police in Tollgate Road, Beckton. A pathologist has not yet determined the cause of his death.
The IPCC added that the serving of misconduct notices on officers does not indicate guilt, or mean that misconduct proceedings will necessarily follow.
It said since the opening of its investigation, witness statements from police officers, medical staff and members of the public have been collected, as has body worn video footage of the first aid administered to Mr Da Costa.
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Tom Milsom, IPCC associate commissioner, said: “We are very aware of the community concerns following the death of Mr Da Costa.
“So as well as providing regular updates to the family and communicating with the officers involved, we will, when appropriate, also inform the wider community about the progress of our independent investigation.”
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A Met Police spokeswoman said the force was aware that, as part of the investigation, the IPCC had taken the decision to serve notices on five Met officers.
She said: “Once the notices have been served the Met will review what restrictions, if any, should be placed on the officers.
“In reaching that decision the Met will liaise with the IPCC, as is usual.
“The Met is fully co-operating with the IPCC investigation and our thoughts remain with Mr Da Costa’s friends and family for their loss.”
A statement released by Mr Da Costa’s family said: “We welcome the IPCC’s announcement regarding potential misconduct proceedings.
“Our main concern is to establish whether there is any evidence of wrong-doing on the part of the police in Edson’s death.
“We hope the IPCC investigation is comprehensive and rigorous.”
