An inquest into the death of Nicholas Brandram, a man suspected of pushing a woman into traffic on Putney Bridge in 2017, has opened and been adjourned pending an investigation by the police watchdog. Brandram, 44, was discovered dead at his Chiswick home on the evening of 15 September after failing to appear at a planned family gathering. West London Coroner's Court heard that he had been arrested in June on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm relating to the May 2017 incident.
Officers and London Ambulance Service attended the address at 19:12 on 15 September, where the 44-year-old was pronounced dead. The Metropolitan Police described the death as unexpected but not suspicious.
Presiding over the hearing, West London coroner Melanie Lee announced she had received notification of a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct and was suspending proceedings until that inquiry concludes. She extended her "sincere condolences" to Brandram's family, particularly his sisters Sophie and Alexia, who attended the court.
What was the original incident?
The 2017 Putney Bridge case involved a woman being shoved into the road in front of an oncoming bus, an incident that attracted significant public attention. Brandram was arrested in June on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm in connection with this event. He was released under investigation by the Met Police following his arrest.
What is the family's position?
Brandram's relatives have consistently denied that he was responsible for the incident. According to reports from the family, he "took his own life" following "months of immense pressure" from the police investigation. His sisters have stated that DNA testing would establish his innocence. The family has blamed the force for his death, accusing officers of negligence and recklessness in their handling of the case.
What is the police watchdog doing?
The Metropolitan Police made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct on 16 September concerning prior contact officers had with Brandram during the investigation. According to the watchdog's statement, it is currently assessing whether further action is required. The coroner's inquest will remain suspended pending the outcome of this inquiry.
Is the original investigation continuing?
Despite Brandram's death, the Met confirmed that the investigation into the 2017 Putney Bridge incident remains ongoing. The force has not indicated whether it intends to pursue alternative lines of inquiry or close the case.
What happens next?
The coroner's inquest into Brandram's death is scheduled to resume once the Independent Office for Police Conduct completes its assessment and determines what action, if any, should follow. The timing of that conclusion remains unclear.
Key Facts:
- Nicholas Brandram, 44, was found dead at his Chiswick home on 15 September after failing to attend a family meal
- He had been arrested in June on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm relating to a May 2017 incident on Putney Bridge
- The coroner has adjourned the inquest pending an Independent Office for Police Conduct inquiry into police contact with Brandram
- His family denies he was responsible for the 2017 incident and claims he died by suicide under investigation pressure
- The Metropolitan Police investigation into the original 2017 incident continues despite his death
