Police regulator wants help from Henry’s friends to investigate police treatment of teenager in lead-up to his death

Friends of Henry Hicks are being sought by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) in order to build up a picture of the teenagers interactions with police in the build up to his death.

It follows a complaint by his family earlier this year concerning the force’s dealings with Henry and his relatives.

Henry, 18, died in December when his black Vespa scooter hit a parked car on Wheelwright Street, near the junction of Roman Way, and went into the path of an oncoming Saab.

He was being followed by a police car at the time.

An investigation into the collision which killed Henry has concluded, but the IPCC is looking into the approach adopted by Metropolitan Police officers in stop and searches carried out on the teenager in the three years before he died in December.

Henry was stopped 156 times from 2011 to 2014 by the police despite his family saying he had done nothing wrong and was never charged with any crimes.

The IPCC is now appealing to anyone who may have seen Henry being stop and searched or anyone who may have been with him during interactions with police officers.

IPCC Commissioner Jennifer Izekor said: “It is incredibly important that Henry’s friends and the local Islington community help us build up a picture of police interaction with Mr Hicks before his death.

“If you were with Henry on any of the occasions between October 2011 and December 2014 when he was subjected to a stop and search you may be able to provide invaluable information and our independent investigators need to hear from you.”

Four police officers involved in the pursuit on the night of Henry’s death were issued with gross misconduct notices in February.

An inquest into Henry’s death is due to take place later this year.

She added: “With the help of his friends and associates, and those within the local Islington community we will truly be able to build up a picture of police interaction with Henry before his death, aged 18.

“The IPCC has a dedicated witness appeal freephone telephone number and I urge anyone who may have any information concerning Henry’s contact with the police to come forward and help us.

“We need callers to leave their contact details so our independent investigators can speak to you about the information you are willing to provide.”

If you were with Henry, or witnessed any police interactions with him between October 2011 and December 2014 contact the IPCC on 0800 015 4875.