Nicholas Brandram’s sisters accuse police of failing him

The sisters of Nicholas Brandram say the police investigation into claims linking him to the “Putney pusher” was negligent and reckless. They say he was innocent and died after enduring months of pressure connected to the case.

Allegations Over the 2017 Incident

The case concerns an attack on a runner in west London and the subsequent investigation into the identity of the person responsible.

Incident Background

In May 2017, a woman was pushed into the path of a bus while running on Putney Bridge. Nicholas Brandram later came under suspicion of being the jogger involved in that incident.

Family’s Account

His sisters, Alexia Hicks and Sophie Volker, said he was innocent. They told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that his mental health had worsened in recent months, with daily life becoming increasingly hard as material about the allegation remained online.

Significance of the Claim

The sisters said Brandram could not understand why there was urgency to arrest him and publicise the case, but not the same urgency to establish his innocence. They argued that the actual Putney pusher remains unidentified.

Arrest, Release and Death

The investigation had recently moved to a formal stage before Brandram was found dead at his home.

Recent Case Developments

The 44-year-old banker was arrested in June this year on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm. The Metropolitan Police confirmed last week that he had been released under investigation. He was found dead at home on Tuesday evening.

Police Position

In comments to BBC the Metropolitan Police said it recognised the strain that can result from being investigated by police. The force said a mandatory referral had been made to the police watchdog, described the death as unexpected but not believed to be suspicious, and said the 2017 inquiry was still continuing.

Family Criticism and Defence

Brandram’s relatives challenged the basis on which they said he became a suspect and paid tribute to him.

Reaction Raised by the Family

Hicks and Volker called the handling of the matter negligent and reckless, saying the force had failed their brother, their wider family and society. No separate social-media reaction is detailed beyond their account that he read online coverage and still faced judgment there.

Evidence Cited by Relatives

The sisters said several details made formal suspicion of Brandram unreasonable.

Physical Differences

They said he had a withered leg from an army injury, clear blue eyes rather than the attacker’s reportedly brown eyes, and a prominent military tattoo on his forearm that would have been visible with a T-shirt.

Location and Alibi

They said he lived in Notting Hill, had no link to Putney, and that evidence placed him at his Bond Street office when the attack happened. They suggested the original allegation was malicious or mistaken.

Personal Loss

The sisters described him as warm, enthusiastic and charming, and as a much-loved brother, uncle, father and son. They said he was a family man within a close family.

Continuing Inquiry

The investigation into the Putney Bridge attack has not been concluded, while the mandatory referral is also part of the immediate aftermath.

Outstanding Developments

The force has stated that its investigation into the 2017 incident remains active. It said it had no additional comment on the sisters’ allegations.

Issues to Follow

Key unresolved matters are the outcome of the continuing inquiry and the mandatory police-watchdog referral. The family maintains that Brandram did not match the description or circumstances of the alleged attacker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about Nicholas Brandram’s sisters accuse police of failing him.

1. What started the case involving Nicholas Brandram?

The case began with a May 2017 incident in which a woman was pushed into the path of a bus while running on Putney Bridge. Nicholas Brandram later came under suspicion of being the jogger linked to the incident.

2. Why has Nicholas Brandram’s sisters accuse police of failing him drawn attention?

His sisters, Alexia Hicks and Sophie Volker, accused police of handling the investigation negligently and recklessly. They said Brandram was innocent and that months of pressure, including online coverage, had worsened his mental health.

3. What are the latest updates in the investigation?

Brandram was arrested in June this year on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm and was later released under investigation. He was found dead at home on Tuesday evening. The Metropolitan Police said the death was not believed to be suspicious, referred the matter to the police watchdog and confirmed that the 2017 inquiry remains active.

4. What could happen next in the Putney pusher case?

The investigation into the 2017 Putney Bridge attack will continue, alongside the mandatory police-watchdog referral. The outcome of both processes remains unresolved, while Brandram’s family continues to maintain that he did not match the description or circumstances of the alleged attacker.

Based on reporting from the original report.