Twickenham: The former head of the Metropolitan Police is to be prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for alleged breaches of safety following the death of a Twickenham police officer.

Lord John Condon and his successor Sir John Stevens are being prosecuted following a lengthy investigation by the HSE into whether the Met sufficiently protected police officers from the dangers of falling from or through a roof while chasing suspects.

PC Kulwant Sidhu died in October 1999 after chasing two men onto the roof of a joiner's workshop in Colne Road, in Twickenham.

The 24-year-old officer died after falling 25ft through a skylight onto carpentry benches below. He had climbed onto the top of the building after spotting the men on the roof.

The HSE prosecution follows concerns raised by PC Sidhu's family following an inquest in May 2000.

Under the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act chief officers of the police force are required to ensure that officers, specials and police cadets are aware of the safety risks posed by climbing onto the top of buildings.

Lord Condon, as the officer in charge of the Met at the time of PC Sidhu's death, is being prosecuted for a breach of the act by failing to ensure the health, safety and welfare of one of his officers.

Sir John Stevens, as the current police commissioner, is being prosecuted under the same section of the act after a police officer was injured after falling from a roof while chasing a suspect in north London two years ago.

A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive said: "We are not saying that police officers should not chase suspects over roof tops.

"It is about the relevant risks and the steps taken to reduce those risks."

Scotland Yard said it is currently seeking legal advice after the HSE served its writ on Lord Condon and Sir John Stevens.

A spokesman said that both officers would be represented at the first court hearing of the case at the City of London Magistrates Court on May 8.

April 26, 2002 11:00