IOPC names man found in river after police chase

A man whose body was found in a river after he was chased by police has been named by an independent watchdog.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said officers had contact with Myley French, 20, in Stanstead Abbotts, Hertfordshire, after recognising him as being wanted for failing to answer bail.

They stopped and spoke to French "briefly" on the High Street, before he climbed over a fence and then entered the River Lea on 14 September.

Emily Barry, IOPC director of engagement, said the office needed to " establish the exact circumstances of this incident and the actions of the officers involved".

The IOPC said officers had lost sight of French during the chase and were told by a passer-by that he had entered the water.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was then called.

After a search of the river, crews located French's body and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem examination was carried out on 22 September, but the final cause of death remained unknown, so an inquest could not be opened yet.

The IOPC said it had gathered CCTV footage and was reviewing officers' statements, police radio transmissions and witness accounts from people who saw French in the river.

"Given that he has died following an interaction with police officers, we need to independently establish the exact circumstances of this incident and the actions of the officers involved," Barry said.

"Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Myley French and everyone affected by his death.

"We have met with Myley's family to explain our role and will keep them regularly updated throughout our investigation."

Hertfordshire Police said it was "assisting the IOPC with its inquiries, and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time".

The IOPC started its investigation on 16 September.

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