Met close to payout for unlawful killing of Ian Tomlinson

'Compensation deal close' with family of man who died after being pushed to ground during G20 protests

Ian Tomlinson was unlawfully killed by a Scotland Yard officer at the G20 protests (PA)

Scotland Yard is drawing closer to agreeing compensation with the family of Ian Tomlinson, who died after being pushed to the ground during the G20 protests by a riot officer.

Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe was given authorisation to finalise the settlement of a case brought by the Tomlinson family, according to The Times.

PC Simon Harwood hit Mr Tomlinson, 47, with a baton and shoved him to the ground on the fringes of the 2009 protests in the City of London.

Mr Tomlinson, who was walking away from police lines at the time, stumbled 75 yards before he collapsed and later died from internal injuries.

PC Harwood was dismissed without notice after a police disciplinary panel found him guilty of gross misconduct following the death.

Stephen Greenhalgh, the Deputy Mayor for policing in London, authorised the Met in June to "increase the sum offered to reach the settlement", The Times said.

According to documents from the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), Mr Tomlinson's family has been seeking damages for "assault and battery", bereavement damages for his widow, "dependency claims" for each family member for "breach of the right to life" as well as funeral expenses, the BBC said.

A jury at the inquest into Mr Tomlinson's death returned a verdict of unlawful killing in May 2011.

The officer was charged with manslaughter but was later acquitted following a trial at Southwark Crown Court in July last year.

The amount of money to be paid has not been disclosed. Scotland Yard said it could not comment on legal negotiations.