Full Breakdown
Nicholas Brandram’s Death Amid Ongoing Putney Bridge Investigation
By Drooid · · How we work
The Fatal Outcome and Ongoing Probe
On September 15 a 44-year-old man was found unresponsive inside a property in Chiswick, Hounslow. Police and ambulance crews attended at 19:12 hrs and pronounced the man dead at the scene. The Metropolitan Police classified the death as “unexpected” and said it was not believed to be suspicious. The deceased was identified as Nicholas Brandram, a former British Army captain and director at HSBC Private Bank.
Brandram had been arrested on June 15 on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm in connection with the May 5 2017 “Putney pusher” incident. He was released later that month, and a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) was made following contact with Brandram before his death.
Background to the 2017 “Putney Pusher” Case
On May 5 2017 a jogger on Putney Bridge pushed a pedestrian head-first into the path of an oncoming bus. CCTV described the suspect as a white male in his early-to-mid-30s, stocky, with short brown hair, wearing dark blue shorts, trainers and a grey T-shirt. Police interviewed more than 50 men and arrested three suspects, but the investigation was closed in 2018 with no charges.
Family’s Allegations of Police Misconduct
- No forensic evidence linked Brandram to the 2017 assault.
- An email from Brandram’s Bond Street office at 8:13 am on May 5 2017 placed him miles from the bridge.
- The CCTV suspect lacked Brandram’s forearm tattoo and had a disfigured calf—features Brandram did not possess.
- He provided a DNA sample two months before his death, but the results were never communicated.
The sisters described the police’s handling as “negligent” and “reckless,” accusing officers of arresting Brandram without credible evidence, searching his home, and allowing media exposure that “inevitably led to speculation.”
Official Police Responses
Chief Superintendent Dan Knowles expressed sympathy for the family and noted that complex forensic work can take months. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the death is being treated as unexpected and not suspicious, and that a file will be prepared for the coroner. An IOPC spokesperson said the office is assessing the mandatory referral.
Data & Statistics
- The original 2017 probe interviewed over 50 men and arrested three suspects before being closed in 2018.
- After Brandram’s arrest, detectives re-examined the CCTV footage and opened lines of enquiry into suspected drug possession.
- Brandram’s DNA sample was taken two months before his death, yet no result has been released.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 5 2017 | Jogger pushes woman on Putney Bridge; CCTV image released. |
| June 15 | Brandram arrested on suspicion of attempted GBH. |
| June 2026 | Brandram provides DNA sample; no result received. |
| September 15 | Brandram found dead in Chiswick; death deemed unexpected. |
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Cause of death – The family attributes Brandram’s death to suicide caused by police pressure, while the Metropolitan Police describe it as “unexpected” and not suspicious.
- DNA results – The family asserts that a DNA test could clear Brandram’s name, yet the police have not disclosed any result.
