The Metropolitan Police are facing scrutiny following the death of Nicholas Brandram, who was under investigation in connection with a nine-year-old case involving a woman pushed into the path of a bus on Putney Bridge in west London. Brandram, who was arrested in June on suspicion of being the so-called "Putney Pusher," died by suicide last month while still under police investigation.

Authorities have come under criticism for the circumstances surrounding Brandram’s arrest and the subsequent public exposure of his identity. The Metropolitan Police maintain that they did not publicly disclose Brandram’s name at any stage before his death. Nonetheless, details about him—including his background as a wealthy banker, former army captain, and descendant of Queen Victoria—were widely circulated on social media, leading to significant online vilification.

Brandram’s family have raised concerns over the manner in which the police conducted the arrest at his home. They allege that a media crew from a tabloid news outlet accompanied officers during the operation, a move they describe as inappropriate and suggestive that the police sought publicity due to Brandram’s notable lineage. The Met has not provided clarity on this matter.

Questions have also been raised about the reasons for targeting Brandram after nearly a decade. His family asserts there was no forensic evidence linking him to the incident and that police ignored evidence suggesting he was not present at the scene. Brandram reportedly confided to relatives that the investigation was overwhelming him, stating in the days before his death that he felt the process was “murdering him” and that he had “no fight left.”

The family contends that the Metropolitan Police’s failure to formally clear Brandram’s name contributed to his decision to take his own life. This allegation highlights concerns over the impact of unresolved investigations and public suspicion on individuals who have not been charged with any offense.

In response, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley declined to apologize for the pressure placed on Brandram, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the investigation and the need to “work it through” despite the suspect’s death and family complaints. Critics argue that the Commissioner’s response falls short of addressing the severity of the situation and the possibility of errors by officers.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has mandated the Metropolitan Police’s Professional Standards Unit to investigate the force’s handling of the case. The family and public await the findings, calling for transparency and accountability to ensure clarity on the events that led to this tragic outcome.