An independent watchdog is investigating the death of a man who was found in the River Lea after being pursued by police. Emergency services were called to the High Street and towpath in Stanstead Abbotts, Hertfordshire, on 14 September at approximately 13:20 BST.
Hertfordshire Constabulary officers had identified the man as being wanted in connection with two robberies and attempted to stop him on the High Street. Police said they pursued the man on foot, but he was no longer in their line of sight when he entered the water.
The man was later found in the river and pronounced dead at the scene. Hertfordshire Constabulary referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which subsequently launched an investigation. An IOPC spokesperson stated the investigation is in its "early stages" and the man's family will be kept updated.