Cop under criminal investigation after Tasered man falls from window and dies

22 September 2023 , 15:03

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Police at the scene in Lozells, Birmingham earlier this month (Image: BPM Media)

A police officer is being criminally investigated after a Tasered man plunged from a window and later died.

Ayuub Hassan Abdi fell from an attic bedroom window at a property in Lozells, Birmingham earlier this month. The 34-year-old was rushed to hospital by ambulance with critical injuries, but died the following day.

Enquiries by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) have established that a police unit had been called to the house, and two officers were inside the third-floor bedroom at the time of the fall. Evidence suggests that a Taser was used by one of the officers as Mr Abdi moved towards an open window.

A West Midlands Police constable has now been told they are being criminally investigated for unlawful act manslaughter, common assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, in relation to their use of force during the incident. The officer has also been served with a gross misconduct notice for potential breaches of police standards of professional behaviour.

Emergency services outside the property

The IOPC said it did not necessarily mean that criminal charges or disciplinary proceedings will follow. It was notified by the force about the incident on September 6 and sent investigators to the scene, then declared an independent investigation later that same morning.

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So far, it has determined that police were called to a report of two residents at the house being attacked by a man with a knife. After the arrival of another police unit, two officers went upstairs to speak to Mr Abdi, who was in his bedroom on the third floor.

It is believed that Mr Abdi moved towards an open window during the conversation, and a Taser was then discharged. Moments later Mr Abdi fell from the window, landing on the ground outside. As part of their enquiries, IOPC investigators have been provided with initial accounts by some of the officers who were present.

Police body worn footage has also been examined, as well as mobile footage taken by a resident before officers’ arrival. Downloads from the Taser discharged during the incident continue to be analysed. A post mortem was held on September 13 and the results of toxicology tests are yet to be released.

IOPC Regional Director for the West Midlands, Derrick Campbell, said: “We have been in contact with Mr Abdi’s family to express our sympathy and explain our role. Our thoughts are with them and all those affected by his death. We will carry out a thorough, independent investigation of all of the circumstances surrounding Mr Abdi’s death. This will include looking at the actions and decision-making of the officers present.

"Police may use force in the course of their duties and we will examine whether any force that was used was reasonable, necessary and proportionate. Following the conclusion of our investigation, we will decide whether to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision and we will determine whether any officer should face disciplinary proceedings." The public body said it is liaising with HM Coroner and an inquest will be opened in due course.

Katie Weston