Welcome to your local community website...
35 year-old man dies as police hunt burglar
A suspected burglar died in the back garden of a house in Chelsea shortly after police had tried to catch him.
Officers were called at about 12.15am on Friday (18) by a neighbour, who reported a 'burglary in progress' at a three-storey house at the junction of Lamont Road and Limerston Street.
According to neighbours, the family were away on holiday at the time, but they had strict security measures in place to try and stop anyone breaking in, including a security camera on either side of the front door, and a security light.
Police arrived at the house - the last in a line of five townhouses - just a few minutes later and forced their way in.
After pursuing him through the house, they followed the man, named as 35 year-old Gary Thomson, onto a flat roof two storeys up, and it is believed he fell to the ground from there.
A Met spokesman said: "Two officers went up onto the roof, where they saw a man unconscious in the back garden. London Ambulance Service and the air ambulance were called, and officers performed CPR.
"But he was pronounced dead at the scene just after 3am. Next of kin have been informed."
Neighbours were in shock after the incident, which happened just a short distance from the busy Kings Road.
One, who did not want to be named, said: "I didn't see much of the family to be honest, but I know they'd gone away on holiday somewhere.
"The police knocked on the door, and the guy inside was playing music, and he told them he was having a party and everything was fine.
"But they forced their way in. There was a lot of shouting and stuff but I didn't really see much more. I just know the guy ended up dead in the back garden."
On Friday, forensic officers examined the scene inside the house and in the back garden, while a lone uniformed policeman stood guard at the front door.
The front door was held open by a yellow and red children's bike, and a dining chair inside had been partly knocked over.
A post mortem was carried out on Saturday (19) and an inquest was opened and adjourned on Monday (21).
Police have now referred the case to their Directorate of Professional Standards, and to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).
We'd like to hear from you. Send your stories, pics and videos
Older/Newer
« Council plans £2.6m museum loan | Portobello Christmas lights switched on »
how can the police arrive at 1215 yet it takes until 3am to pronounce him dead???
Yes would like to know why this poor man lay there when police were at the seen!!
These comments make me so cross. What do you mean "poor man"? You read the bit that said he was a burglar? If he hadn't been committing this crime then he would probably still be alive. Also, only a doctor can pronounce a person dead. Paramedics would still have arrived and tried to save him if he could have been saved.
to the 1st comment, dont judge a bok by its cover!!!!
rip gary thomson you will never be forgotton my dear friend