Sisters of 'Putney pusher' suspect accuse Met Police of negligence after his death

The sisters of Nicholas Brandram, the man suspected of being the so-called "Putney pusher," have accused London's Metropolitan Police of negligence and recklessness in their handling of the investigation into him.

Brandram, a 44-year-old banker, was suspected of being the jogger who pushed a woman into the path of a bus on Putney Bridge in west London in May 2017. His sisters, Alexia Hicks and Sophie Volker, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that he was innocent and took his own life after months of intense pressure caused by the police investigation.

The sisters said Brandram's mental health had been deteriorating in recent months, with daily life becoming increasingly difficult. He continued to read everything published about him online, where he remained branded as guilty. They said they could not understand why police showed such urgency in arresting him and getting the case into the press, yet no similar urgency in helping clear his name.

Brandram was arrested in June this year on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm. Last week, the Met confirmed he had been released under investigation. He was found dead at his home on Tuesday evening; police said the death is being treated as unexpected but not suspicious.

His sisters said the force had failed in its duty of care toward their brother, the wider family, and arguably society, since the real Putney pusher remains at large. They described Brandram as warm, enthusiastic, charming and a true family man — a loved brother, uncle, father and son who did not deserve what happened to him.

The Met said it recognises the strain a police investigation can place on individuals and confirmed a mandatory referral had been made to the police watchdog. The force said its investigation into the 2017 incident remains ongoing.