Context:

In West London, Nicholas Brandram, a 44-year-old banker linked to the Putney Bridge incident, was found dead at his home, with his sisters insisting he was innocent and awaiting a DNA test to clear his name. Police had interrogated about 50 men and arrested three suspects but no charges were ever filed, and the inquiry was winding down in 2018. The family criticizes the investigation and the force’s handling, arguing there was no forensic link to Nick or to Putney Bridge footage. The case remains unresolved in the public eye as relatives mourn and call for his name to be cleared, while authorities referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Dive Deeper:

• Brandram's sisters, speaking on Radio 4, maintained his innocence and said he was awaiting a DNA test to confirm his status, expressing disappointment with the justice process and its impact on Nick's reputation.

• The Met Police stated the death was unexpected but not suspicious, and confirmed that 50 men were interviewed and three suspects were arrested in connection with the Putney Bridge case, including an American investment banker who was not in the country at the time.

• Relatives emphasized there was no forensic evidence linking Brandram to the crime, no proof of him being on Putney Bridge at the relevant time, and no credible evidence tying him to the footage associated with the incident.

• They argued the investigation caused Nick considerable shame, anxiety, and pressure, and accused police of acting without sufficient justification to arrest him rather than inviting him to attend for interview.

• The Metropolitan Police referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over the case, highlighting concerns about how it was handled.

• Brandram, described as a descendant of Queen Victoria, was found dead at his Chiswick home; the inquiry noted no charges were ever brought and the investigation was wound down in 2018 due to a lack of viable leads.