The Hyde, Barnet: Man collapses and dies after being seen running from car by police

A running seen running from a car crossed a waterway and collapsed on the far bank, before later dying in hospital.

At about 1.40am on Wednesday (December 20) Met officers "became aware of" a car on The Hyde, in The Hyde, Barnet. A man ran from the car and entered a waterway known as the 'Silk Stream'.

He collapsed on the far bank. Officers did not follow him into the water, but made their way around water's edge to try to reach him. The area was enclosed by fences and the Met says despite all attempts officers could not reach him.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) and London Ambulance Service were called. They reached the man and first aid was administered, but he was taken to hospital in a critical condition and died that morning.

Police say the next of kin of the man, who was in his "late 40s", have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

As in all cases of death following police contact, the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed. The Independent Office for Police Conduct has also been notified.

Commander Owain Richards of the Met’s Frontline Policing said:"This is a very sad incident and my thoughts and condolences go out to the man's family and all those affected.

“It is only right and proper that all the circumstances surrounding this incident are fully investigated and the Met police will fully cooperate with any inquiry. In the meantime, we will be speaking to our partners and the community to provide reassurance and provide as much information as we can."

The Met says officers involved are being supported following the traumatic event.