An investigation by the police watchdog into a deadly motorbike pursuit in Mile End has concluded that officers involved 'acted appropriately'.
The findings by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) come after an inquest into the death of Rayham Miah ended on September 6.
Mr Miah, also known as Alamin Kazi, died after sustaining injuries in a motorcycle crash at the junction of Commercial Road and Burdett Road.
The inquest ruled that the 30-year-old's motorbike hit the kerb and crashed into street railings on March 20, 2023.
The IOPC began its investigation on the day of the crash, after Metropolitan Police officers alerted it to the incident.
Its investigation looked into CCTV and dashcam footage, body worn video, witness statements, and statements from officers involved.
According to the IOPC, police dashcam footage from a marked police vehicle captured the moment the motorbike passed the officers "at excessive speed".
The footage reportedly captured the motorbike travelling along the A13 Newham Way, passing through red lights with a passenger on the back.
Officers then activated the vehicle’s lights and sirens, beginning their pursuit after the motorcyclist failed to stop.
The pursuit continued as the motorbike was driven down the wrong side of the carriageway for less than two minutes before the fatal collision occurred.
Mr Miah and his passenger were reportedly "thrown from the motorbike".
In a statement on September 9, the IOPC stated: "At no point was there any contact between the police vehicle and the motorbike."
The officers involved in the pursuit were reported to have provided immediate first aid, with additional police units and the London Ambulance Service called to support.
Mr Miah was declared dead at the scene.
His 29-year-old male passenger sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital.
At the time of the collision, the motorcycle was estimated to have been travelling in excess of 50mph along the road with a speed limit of 30mph.
The IOPC's investigation was concluded in December 2023, after it found "no indication that any officer behaved in a manner that would justify bringing disciplinary proceedings or had committed a criminal offence".
A spokesperson for the watchdog service said: "An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation into the actions of Met Police officers who pursued a motorcyclist prior to a fatal collision in east London in 2023, found that officers acted appropriately and in line with policies and guidance."
The report and findings were provided to HM coroner to assist with the inquest proceedings.
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IOPC Regional Director Charmaine Arbouin said: “Any death on our roads is a tragedy and our thoughts remain with Mr Miah’s family and friends, and everyone affected by this incident.
“Given police officers were pursuing Mr Miah at the time of the fatal collision, it was important that an independent investigation was carried out into the actions and decision making of the officers involved.
“The evidence indicated that the officers who pursued Mr Miah acted appropriately and in line with police policy and guidance. We also found the actions of the control room staff were appropriate.”
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