19 November 2021

Before HM Coroner Mr Andrew Walker
North London Coroner’s Court (or remote)

22 - 30 November 2021

Lamont Roper died during a police pursuit in the Tottenham area of London. The final hearing of the inquest into his death will open on Monday (22 November).

Lamont was a 23 year old Black man. He was a loving son, grandson, partner, and brother. His family describe him as a very warm and friendly person who would always go out of his way to help those around him and inspire people to follow their dreams. He was very active in his church and had a real passion for music.

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 constable up the towpath towards Tottenham, both on electric bicycles. In circumstances that still remain unclear, Lamont came from his bicycle by Lock 17 at Ferry Lane in Tottenham. Following use of force by the officer, he came to be in the Lock.

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

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 MPS. It is of particular concern to the family that the PC involved did not activate his camera during the pursuit.

The family hope the inquest will consider:

• the manner in which Lamont came to be in the water,
• the circumstances in which the stop began,
• the officer’s failure to active his camera,
• the manner of the pursuit including the dangers of pursuits on electric bicycles, particularly near bodies of water,
• and the efforts to find Lamont when he was in the water.

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.

The other interested persons represented are the Metropolitan Police Service and, separately, the main officer involved in the pursuit.