Police eager to complete picture of escalator fall at Waterloo station that may have led to death

Officers investigating the death of a man are appealing for witnesses to come forward who may have seen him pushed down a Tube station escalator.

Ian Airlie, 48, was found dead at his home in Greenwich on Thursday, October 10 last year.

After his death, his family informed police that Ian had reportedly been shoved down Waterloo Tube station’s Jubilee line escalator shortly after 5pm on Sunday, September 15.

Following his fall, Mr Airlie is believed to have spoken to security guards at the station. He relayed that he had fallen into a woman described as of South Asian appearance, who also fell on the escalator.

After leaving the Tube, Mr Airlie is then said to have spoken to a woman on a bus travelling from North Greenwich Tube station. She handed him a tissue as he was bleeding from above his left eye.

Police are appealing to these people, as well as anyone else who saw the incident, to come forward.

At the time of the incident, Mr Airlie was wearing a black T-shirt and light grey jogging bottoms. On his back was a turquoise and grey Mountain Warehouse rucksack. He was carrying a medium sized black suitcase.

Detective Inspector Chris Rogers, who is leading the investigation, said: “Mr Airlie’s death is tragic, and his family continue to mourn the loss of a loving son, partner, brother and uncle.

“We are determined to piece together the events, and give Mr Airlie’s family the answers they are searching for. You can assist us by coming forward with any information. However small it may seem to you, this could be the key we need to unlock the investigation.”

A post-mortem examination on October 29 was inconclusive and the Met say they are awaiting the result of further tests.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police via 101, or anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 1111 – quoting 01/942310/24.

Pictured top: Ian Airlie (Picture: The Met)