The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has reopened its investigation into the death of Sean Rigg.
This follows a review carried out by the IPCC into its original investigation into the death of Mr Rigg in order that the Commissioner could consider previous decisions in the case in relation to criminal and disciplinary matters.
At the outset of the review in June 2013, the IPCC stated that if any issues arose that required further evidence to be obtained for the Commissioner to consider previous decisions in this case that it would consult with interested parties to determine whether to reopen the investigation.
The investigation is looking at the conduct of the officers involved in the arrest, restraint and detention of Mr Rigg and the actions of the force medical examiner at Brixton police station. It will determine whether to recommend any disciplinary proceedings against the police officers, and whether there is evidence that should be considered in relation to potential criminal proceedings.
IPCC Commissioner Mary Cunneen said:
"During the course of the review we have identified additional lines of enquiry that need to be investigated, so that we can assess whether to make a referral to the Crown Prosecution Service regarding potential criminal matters or recommend disciplinary proceedings regarding any officer involved in the arrest, restraint and detention of Mr Rigg.
"I have consulted with Mr Rigg's family, the officers involved in the arrest, restraint and detention of Mr Rigg, the Metropolitan Police Service and the forensic medical examiner that I was minded to reopen the investigation and last month informed them that we have now done so.
"I appreciate that it has now been over five years since Mr Rigg's death and that his family, the officers involved and the FME will be anxious that we proceed as quickly as possible.
"Having taken the decision to reopen the investigation, the team has already begun to recover and analyse evidence and will be obtaining further statements from a number of people.
"The reopened investigation will, like the review, only examine the conduct of the officers involved in the arrest, restraint and detention of Mr Rigg and the actions of the forensic medical examiner who attended Mr Rigg at Brixton police station."
On Friday 6 December, the IPCC received a pre-action letter from the MPS advising that it intends to seek a judicial review of the decision to reopen the investigation without there being a court order quashing its original findings.
The MPS has indicated to the IPCC that it does not oppose the IPCC’s intention to reopen the investigation but believes that in order to reopen lawfully the findings of the original investigation must be quashed at the Administrative Court.
The IPCC considers that it is acting lawfully, but will consider the representations of the MPS carefully and respond in due course.