Richard Hinchliffe · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 5 October 2015 I commenced an investigation into the death of Richard Hinchliffe, age 31. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 21 June 2016. The conclusion of the inquest was one of accident. The medical cause of death was 1a Electrocution. II Under the influence of alcohol.

Richard Hinchliffe died on 2 October 2015 after walking down the train tracks between Blackfriars and London Bridge stations, having gained access from platform 1 of Blackfriars station at 02.48 (from CCTV). He fell and suffered fatal electrocution.

An investigation into the death was conducted by ████████ of BTP. I attach a copy of this report to assist with the background. The evidence at the inquest was that Mr Hinchliffe was under the influence of alcohol. He entered Blackfriars station at 01.51 and may then have fallen asleep on platform 1 until 02.48/02.49 when CCTV showed him going through the barrier gate onto the rail lines.

(1) The evidence at the inquest was that the barrier gate from platform 1 onto the rail lines was clearly marked with warning signs and “witches hat” matting. ████████ evidence was that normal practice is also to secure the barriers with a cable tie to deter unauthorised access but to allow reasonable emergency access when required. However, the evidence suggested that at the time of the PFS visit the gate was tied shut using a shoe lace. This visit was several days after the incident and is not necessarily indicative of the situation on 2 October. However, the evidence at the inquest also suggested that Mr Hinchliffe gained access through the barrier with some ease which might suggest that the barrier was not secured. It is not clear how often the barriers onto the lines are checked to ensure appropriate security is in place.
(2) Mr Hinchliffe was seemingly asleep on the platform for approximately one hour before gaining access onto the line. The evidence was that Blackfriars station is staffed 24 hours. It is not clear whether his presence would have been noted and flagged as a possible security/safety concern.