Independent investigation into police contact before Wiltshire bridge fall death

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has begun an investigation into the death of a man who fell from a river bridge in Chippenham, Wiltshire, following police contact.

Wiltshire Police were called to the Town Bridge area in the early hours of 31 March in response to welfare concerns for a man. Sadly, the body of a 41-year-old man was later recovered from the River Avon.

The force made a mandatory referral to us later that day due to police interaction with the man earlier that morning.

We have now started an independent investigation to examine the nature of that police involvement.

IOPC Director Derrick Campbell, said: “We know Wiltshire Police officers attended the man’s address at around 12.30am that morning following a 999 call and that there were concerns over his mental health.

“Officers again interacted with him at 1.48am following a call by a member of the public who reported a man walking barefoot in a dressing gown in Chippenham High Street.

“Our investigation will look at the nature of the police engagement with him on both occasions and the decisions taken. We have gathered officers’ body worn video, CCTV footage, and airwaves communication which will be examined as part of our investigation.

“My condolences go to the man’s loved ones for their loss. We are in touch with his next of kin to guide them through the process and offer any support we can.”