BHATT MURPHY PRESS RELEASE

20 September 2017

The family of Rashan Charles said: 

“We have learned that the Metropolitan Police has decided not to suspend the officer who is seen on CCTV grabbing Rashan and throwing him to the ground on the night he died.  This decision sends completely the wrong message about how seriously the Metropolitan Police take what happened to Rashan and we call on them to reconsider.

Footage of this incident has been publicly available since 22 July 2017.  It shows the unprovoked use of a great deal of force on a young man.  Rashan died within minutes of that force being used, and we have not been satisfied that he received safe and prompt care from the police.  Subsequent statements suggesting that Rashan “became unwell” or that the officer was in some way “helping” him are a distortion of what we can all see on-screen. 

We are disappointed and concerned that the simple reality of what is seen in the recording has not been translated into prompt and effective action by the police, CPS and IPCC: to suspend this officer and to investigate him as a suspect in possible criminal offences, as well as for gross misconduct.  We will continue to press for this.”


Notes to Editor:

1. An inquest has been listed to take place at St Pancras Coroner’s Court before HM Coroner for Inner North London, Ms Mary Hassell, starting on 4 June 2018.  A pre-inquest review will take place on 15 November 2017 at Poplar Coroner’s Court.

2. Rashan Charles’ family are represented by Carolynn Gallwey and Chanel Dolcy of Bhatt Murphy Solicitors: [email protected], [email protected]

3. INQUEST have been working with the family since Rashan's death.