Man who died after being tasered by police and jumping into Thames wearing firelighters

Oladeji Adeyemi Omishore, 41, was Tasered by police before running to the side of Chelsea Bridge and jumping over the barrier into the Thames

A man who died after being tasered by police and then jumping into the Thames was carrying a fire starter, a watchdog said.

Footage of the incident on social media had shown Oladeji Adeyemi Omishore, 41, being tasered before running to the side of Chelsea Bridge and jumping over the barrier into the Thames.

He was originally said to be in possession of a screwdriver when police officers were called to the west London bridge on June 4.

On Tuesday, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is investigating the incident, said he was carrying a plastic and metal fire starter.

The watchdog also confirmed Mr Omishore’s name for the first time, despite having been previously identified by neighbours.

An inquest into his death was opened and adjourned on June 15.

IOPC Regional Director Sal Naseem said: “Our thoughts remain with Mr Omishore’s family and all those affected by his death.

“We remain in touch with his family and will keep them informed of the progress of our independent investigation.

“Our investigators continue to collect and analyze important evidence, including footage captured at the scene and initial reports from officials and members of the public.

“We would urge anyone else who saw or recorded the incident either on the bridge or after Mr Omishore entered the river to get in touch with us immediately.

“It is important that we understand all the circumstances of his death.”

A post-mortem was performed on June 13 and IOPC investigators are awaiting a pathologist’s report on the cause of death.

The IOPC said: “We have confirmed that Mr Omishore was holding a plastic and metal firelighter when he was approached by two officers on Chelsea Bridge.

“The initial report to the police said he had a screwdriver.

“A taser was fired by one of the officers before the man entered the river. The taser has been confirmed to have been fired more than once.”