A man dies on Tube lines after being chased by police in Colindale

The Metropolitan Police referred to a watchdog after a man died on the Tube lines in north London.

Officers were alerted to reports of a fight and criminal damage outside Colindale tube station.

After seeing the police, the offender entered the building at around 1am.

He was chased and police tried to apprehend him at the station, but he went off the tracks and was later fatally injured.

British Transport Police are investigating the circumstances and will support the family of the deceased.

Scotland Yard said its mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct is a mandatory requirement where contact has been made with a person who subsequently dies or suffers serious injury.

Superintendent Lorraine Busby-McVey, in charge of Barnet Police, said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family of the man who tragically lost his life.

“We are in close contact with our colleagues at BTP, who provide specialist support to loved ones.

“We will continue to help them in any way we can.

“We know this incident will cause concern in the local community and we will be on hand to answer any questions that may arise.

“We have strong links with key partners and community leaders and will encourage a two-way dialogue where concerns can be discussed.

“Officers know that their actions in such circumstances will be carefully reviewed as part of well-established practices.

“In parallel with the BTP investigation, officers from our Professional Standards Directorate notified the IOPC, a mandatory requirement in cases of death following police contact.

“The IOPC will decide whether an investigation is necessary and who should carry it out.”

Paramedics and the Met helicopter also attended.

After the incident, there was no Northern line between Golders Green and Edgware.

An IOPC spokesman said: “We were alerted by the Met Police on Sunday to an incident where a man was found dead on the train tracks at Colindale tube station in north London, where there had been recent contact with the police shortly before his death.

“We have sent investigators to attend police proceedings following the incident to gather further information and have subsequently received a referral from the force, which we are assessing and will decide whether further action is required on our part.”