DLR death fall may have been a gay altercation

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A man killed by a train last week may have been in a relationship with another man who was arrested at the scene of his death.

Robert Carter, 34, of Poplar, east London was hit by a Docklands Light Railway train just after 10pm on Monday, April 2nd.

Shortly beforehand, he was involved in an altercation with another man outside the station.

A 38-year-old man from Ilford has not been charged, but must reappear for bail on May 16. He has not been named.

The two men had spent the day at a pub in Poplar, and some media reports have suggested they were in a gay relationship.

British Transport Police have been praised for consulting IAN, the Independent Advisory Network, to find out how this revelation will affect the gay community.

Carl Duncan, chairman of IAN, told the Wanstead Woodford Guardian : “We are the voice of the community and we are here to challenge.

“By being critical and challenging existing processes we are playing a vital role in rebuilding trust with the hard to reach and hard to hear groups that are part of London’s diverse travelling community.”

Chief Superintendent Paul Crowther said: “The tragic events of this week showed just how valuable the IAN can be in advising us on issues that affect different community groups.

“Every day more than three million people from every imaginable section of London’s population travel on the rail network and the IAN is helping us ensure we meet the needs of this unique group.”

Police are still appealing for witnesses to come forward. They have examined CCTV footage, which shows some witnesses who have not yet spoken to the police.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Ashley Croft told The Guardian :

“We are very keen to speak with anyone who may have information about events leading up to the tragic incident and encourage them to contact British Transport Police.”

Anyone with information is asked to phone British Transport Police on freephone 0800 40 50 40.

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