Ayuub Abdi, described by his family as a “kind-hearted family man” renowned for his “natural warmth,” tragically died after falling from the attic window of a Handsworth house on September 6, 2023. The 34-year-old suffered fatal injuries after police tasered him while he attempted to climb through the open window.
His death has prompted a ten-day coroner’s inquest focusing on the circumstances that led to the police involvement, the use of the taser, and the cause of his injuries. This inquest opened recently, with the family sharing a smiling photo of Ayuub to honor his memory.
During the inquest on November 18, evidence revealed that PC Trowsdale, the officer who fired the taser, shouted “Taser, Taser” as he simultaneously aimed and discharged the device. PC Cheshire, another officer present, recalled seeing the taser’s red dot and hearing the discharge moments before Mr. Abdi fell from the third-floor bedroom window in what was described as a “split-second” event.
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Officers had been responding to reports that Mr. Abdi allegedly attacked and attempted to stab two housemates. The incident was considered high-risk, as police believed Mr. Abdi was armed with knives. Two officers were stationed outside the property, ready in case he attempted to flee via the open window.
Body camera footage showed the injured housemates displaying their wounds to police upon arrival. One victim testified that Mr. Abdi could be friendly but was “not normal” on the night of the incident, possibly under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
PC Cheshire described the chaotic scene inside the cluttered attic room, noting that Mr. Abdi was topless, agitated, and incoherent. Attempts to engage verbally were unsuccessful as Mr. Abdi suddenly tried to exit through the window. The taser was deployed just as he began climbing out.
The officers did not recall issuing specific warnings about the taser or requesting Mr. Abdi to remove his hands from his pockets before the fall. Inspector Ahmed, who stepped in as on-scene commander after the incident, acknowledged that while escaping via a window isn’t uncommon, he personally would have avoided using a taser in that scenario. However, he noted that an armed individual poses a serious threat to officers.
Emergency services were immediately called after Mr. Abdi fell and was found motionless in the garden. Despite medical efforts, he died the following day.
The inquest is ongoing as the court seeks to uncover further details surrounding this tragic and complex incident.