Tasered man who jumped into Thames did not have weapon

A MAN who died after being Tasered by police and jumping into the Thames was not carrying a weapon, the police watchdog has said.

Oladeji Adeyemi Omishore, 41, died on June 4 after apparently leaping from Chelsea Bridge into the river after police responded to reports that he had been brandishing a screwdriver.

But investigators from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) say they have now confirmed the object he was holding was a metal and plastic firelighter and not a screwdriver.

Video footage of the incident on June 4 showed officers challenging Mr Omishore and then discharging a Taser as he shouted in an agitated manner.

After initially being incapacitated, Mr Omishore recovered and ran to the side of the bridge before appearing to jump into the river below.

Investigators also confirmed that they had established the police Taser was discharged more than once. The IOPC is continuing to examine events around the incident.

A spokesman for the IOPC 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.”

Sal Naseem, the regional director of the IOPC, 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. 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.”