Police officers investigated over first-aid response to stab victim

Two Metropolitan Police officers are under criminal investigation for potentially failing to provide proper first aid to a 20-year-old man who died after being stabbed.

Usmaan Mahmood died in hospital a day after being attacked in Thornton Heath, Croydon, on June 13, but a member of the public has raised concerns about the actions of the officers who discovered him.

The officers were alerted to the incident at just after 4pm and called an ambulance, before another police unit arrived and first aid, including CPR, was immediately performed.

But concerns were raised that the first two officers “did not appear to provide sufficient first aid to Mr Mahmood”, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has said.

An investigation is looking into the contact they had with Mr Mahmood, including whether the medical support provided was “appropriate and timely”.

They are under investigation for potential breaches of the standards of professional behaviour at the level of gross misconduct, and are subject to a criminal investigation for possible misconduct in public office.

This does not mean criminal charges or disciplinary proceedings will follow.

IOPC director Mel Palmer said: “Our thoughts are with the family of Usmaan Mahmood and everyone affected by his death.

“A member of the public raised concerns about the actions of the officers. It’s important that we progress our independent investigation to establish the full circumstances, including the decision-making of the officers involved.

“We have been in regular contact with Mr Mahmood’s family to update them on the investigation.

“Once it’s completed, we will decide whether to make a referral to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision, and also decide whether any of the officers involved should face disciplinary proceedings.”

Joshua Munoz, 19, has been charged with murdering Mr Mahmood.