7 October 2021

Today (7 October 2021) marks the first anniversary of the death of Lamont Roper, a young black man who died during a police pursuit in Tottenham, London.

Lamont was a 23 year old black man. He was a loving son, grandson, partner, and brother.

On 7 October 2020 at approximately 9pm, Lamont and a group of friends were approached by plain clothed officers from the Metropolitan Police Service whilst on the River Lea towpath near Marksfield Park. Lamont was pursued by a police officer, up the towpath towards Tottenham, both on electric bicycles. In circumstances that still remain unclear, Lamont came off of his bicycle by Lock 17 at Ferry Lane in Tottenham and, following a use of force by the officer, came to be in the Lock.

A search of the Lock and surrounding areas involving the MPS Marine Unit and London Fire Brigade took place shortly after Lamont entered the Lock but was called off at approximately midnight. The search resumed the following morning and an Metropolitan Police Service diver recovered Lamont’s body from the Lock within a couple of minutes. Lamont was declared deceased at the scene.  

The inquest into Lamont’s death was opened by HM Senior Coroner for North London last year and the final hearing is due to take place between 22 and 30 November 2021.

Some of the officers involved in the pursuit had activated their body worn video cameras but one year later the family have still not been provided with access to the footage by the police. It is of particular concern to the family that the police officer did not activate his camera during the pursuit.

Lamont’s family say: “We still have so many unanswered questions about how Lamont lost his life. We do not believe that he would have entered the water voluntarily as he could not swim and was terrified of water. We hope that the inquest into his death will robustly explore the circumstances of his death and in particular how he came to be in the water. We miss him every day and will not give up the fight for the truth”.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

For further information, photos, and to note your interest, please contact Lucy McKay on [email protected] or 020 7263 1111  

Lamont’s family are represented by INQUEST Lawyers Group members Eva Luna Roszykiewicz of Bhatt Murphy solicitors and Allison Munroe QC of Garden Court Chambers. The family are supported by INQUEST caseworker Selen Cavcav.