Police Face Investigation

23 October 2014, 18:14 | Updated: 23 October 2014, 18:17

The Met Police are being investigated for failing to put a cordon around a storm-damaged tree that later fell and killed a woman in Kensington.

The Metropolitan Police said the incident on Tuesday 21 October 2014 in which a woman died was being reviewed by the Major Crime Unit, while the Independent Police Complaints Commission had also been contacted.

Officers were called to reports of a partially fallen tree in Kensington Road shortly after 11am as Hurricaine Gonzalo brought strong winds to the UK.

Police said vehicle cordons were put in place, but pedestrians were still able to access the scene.

Around 30 minutes after officers arrived, a supporting wall collapsed and the tree slipped further - crushing a woman as she passed underneath.

Detectives are now asking for anyone who may have recorded mobile phone footage of the incident to get in touch.

Police believe they know the identity of the dead woman and her next of kin have been informed. Formal identification has yet to take place.

A post-mortem examination is due to take place at Westminster Mortuary tomorrow.

Detective Inspector Dave Bolton, of Westminster Police's major crime unit, said: "I would appeal to anyone with information to come forward as it may be vital to piece together what happened.

"There were many people in the area at the time and these witnesses could hold key information."

Anyone with information is asked to call the police non-emergency line on 101.