Met Policeman probed over 'grooming' young girl cadets found dead

21 December 2023 , 13:53

541     0

Ryan Gadsden, 23, served as an officer in the Metropolitan Police

A police officer who was being investigated over inappropriate contact with a number of young female cadets has been found dead.

Ryan Gadsden, 23, was arrested while he was serving as an officer with the Metropolitan Police, and was the subject of a probe by the police watchdog. The Mirror can reveal that he was previously removed from a cadet supervisory role following a complaint regarding a young female recruit.

During inquiries into Gadsden the Independent Office for Police Conduct was made aware of further allegations regarding his behaviour around girls, including other cadets. But the probe has been paused after Gadsden was reported missing and then found dead in Romford Park, east London.

Ryan Gadsden

Gadsden, who at the time of his death was based with the Met's North East Command, had volunteered to help with the police cadets. These are described on the Met Police’s website as ‘groups of young people that come together with police officers to learn about policing in every London Borough.’

However, during his volunteering the serving police officer is understood to have gifted a present to a young female cadet, which led to him being removed from his supervisory position in the summer of last year. Yet he remained a serving police officer with the nation’s biggest force for months longer. A source told the Mirror that the Met subsequently learned of Gadsden’s alleged behaviour after it was reported to serving British Transport Police officers, and took action.

Faces of the children killed in horror dog attacks in UK since 2020

Gadsden was referred to the IOPC before being arrested in March of this year. It was during the watchdog's investigation that further allegations of inappropriate contact emerged. The source told the Mirror that Gadsden had contacted girls, some younger than 16, on social media.

Gadsden (right) allegedly messaged young girls on social media, and bought one cadet a gift

But the ongoing investigation was paused when, on September 25 of this year, Gadsden was found dead in the park in Romford by dog walkers. His death will be the subject of a coroner’s inquest due to take place in February next year.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “On Monday, 25 September a serving officer was found dead in Romford. The death was assessed as unexpected but not suspicious. A report is being prepared for the coroner. His family continue to be supported by officers.

“The officer was suspended from duty at this time of his death. A mandatory referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to the contact police had with him prior to his death.”

A spokesperson for the IOPC said: "We are aware of the death of this officer. Our thoughts are with all of those affected and it wouldn't be appropriate to comment further at this time."

Kieren Williams