Tributes to ‘caring’ boy in fatal party fight

George Verrier, 17, suffered head injuries in the brawl that broke out at around 12.45am on Sunday in Southborough Road, Bromley, south east London.

He was given first aid by police but hours later, at around 9.30am, he was found unconscious at a friend’s house.

Paying tribute in a statement released by the Metropolitan Police, his family said: “We, and all of George’s friends, are completely devastated by our tragic and untimely loss. George was a lovely boy and very much loved by everyone who knew him and will be sadly missed.

“He was a kind and caring boy and we take some comfort that his passing has helped other families through organ donation.”

Following his collapse, police, paramedics and an air ambulance were called to the home in Ferndale, Bromley, and George was taken to hospital but died shortly after 6pm on Sunday.

The teenager had been to a party at a house in Blenheim Road on Saturday night, hosted by a
friend.

Police have been told to investigate how officers dealt with the teenager who did not initially go to hospital.

Scotland Yard said he did not want to be taken, but there
have been claims that following insistence that he had to go, he asked for them to take him and was told no, he would have to make his own way and to catch a bus.

Scotland Yard referred the matter to police watchdog the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), which told the force it should hold its own investigation, and re-refer the matter if any possible misconduct comes to light.

An IPCC spokeswoman said: “The IPCC has directed the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to carry out a local investigation into contact between officers and George Verrier in the early hours of Sunday September 1.”

A murder investigation has been launched into his death, and a 17-year-old arrested in connection with the inquiry has been bailed.