Man falls to his death as police arrive at flat over 'indecent children images'

21 February 2024 , 19:59

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An investigation is underway after the man's sudden death (Image: MEN Media)

A man about to be arrested by police on suspicion of possession of indecent images of children fell to his death from a ninth floor flat moments later, it was claimed.

The suspect, in his 40s, is said to have asked if he could grab a garment before being led away. But, moments later, he fell from the balcony. Officers rushed to the ground and attempted CPR but he was declared dead at the scene.

The incident happened at a block of flats in Collyhurst, Manchester at about 7pm on Tuesday. Officers from Greater Manchester Police who executed the warrant have given initial accounts of the incident, which is now being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

A source told the Manchester Evening News he was to be arrested on suspicion of possession of indecent images of children. A woman who lives on the ground floor of Roach Court said: "I walked into the kitchen and saw police tape outside and a body on the ground. It's really shocked me. I can't stop thinking about it. He was wearing black trousers and a white shirt."

In a statement released on Tuesday night, GMP said: "On Tuesday 20 February 2024, at around 7pm, Greater Manchester Police executed a warrant at a property on Hamerton Road, Manchester in connection with a criminal investigation. A short time later, a male who was in the property at the time fell from a height.

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The suspect had been about to be arrested

He fell from the ninth floor

“Despite the best efforts of the officers in attendance and paramedics, he was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene. In line with normal procedure, the incident has been referred to the force’s Professional Standards Directorate and the Independent Office for Police Conduct."

The IOPC has since decided to carry out an independent investigation into the tragedy rather than to oversee one conducted by GMP itself. The watchdog's investigators have visited the scene.

Officers attempted CPR but the man died at the scene (MEN Media)

An IOPC spokesperson said on Wednesday: "We have begun an independent investigation into an incident involving GMP officers on Tuesday (February 20) in Collyhurst, north Manchester. Officers attended an address on Hammerton (sic) Road, at around 7pm, and whilst there, a man fell from a property.

"Officers and paramedics provided medical assistance to the man at the scene, but he sadly died. We received a mandatory referral from the force following the incident and IOPC investigators were sent to attend the scene and the police post incident procedures.

"An independent investigation was declared earlier today. Our investigation is in its initial stages and our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends and all those affected by his death."

John Scheerhout