Man dies as police try arrest
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A 47-year-old man collapsed and died yesterday as police attempted to arrest him in a street in north London.
The incident happened at Whetstone after police were called to a report that a man was damaging a car.
The report was delivered at 1.08pm saying that a man had been throwing bottles at traffic and one had hit a car.
Two officers traced the man, later named as Ziya Mustafa Bitirim, from north London, and were reportedly attempting to arrest him when he collapsed.
After the officers and an ambulance crew failed to revive Mr Bitirim he was taken to Barnet General hospital where he was pronounced dead.
A spokesman for the Police Complaints Authority said last night that it had begun an investigation after having had the matter referred to it by the Metropolitan force.
A post-mortem examination last night at Finchley Memorial hospital into Mr Bitirim's death proved inconclusive and further tests are being carried out today.
Brigadier Anthony Vivian, of the PCA, said the inquiry would be headed by Superintendent Michael Partington of the Metropolitan Police Complaints Investigation Bureau.
He added: "A full investigation will be carried out and the detailed results prepared for the coroner's inquest."
A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said that Mr Bitirim was being arrested for breach of the peace and for his own safety when he collapsed.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments