More than 100 people marched through the streets of Redfern on Sunday to protest the death of a local man who died trying to escape from police.
Patrick Fisher, 31, was wanted on outstanding warrants for stealing and assault when police kicked down the door of his girlfriend’s home on Wednesday morning.
The father-of-three panicked and tried to escape, when he slipped off the 13th floor balcony of the apartment block.
Peaceful protesters arguing he would not have died if the police did not chase him stormed the streets of Redfern with a megaphone, yelling ‘they say accident, we say murder’, and ‘too many coppers, not enough justice’.
More than 100 people marched through Sydney’s Redfern on Sunday after a 31-year-old man died as he was being chased by police
One woman held a megaphone as the group stormed the inner city suburb (pictured)
A shrine was set up in his honour, where a snap back cap, colourful flowers, cards and candles were surrounded by bottles and gumnuts.
One attendee performed a traditional smoking ceremony as the crowd solemnly watched on.
Patrick is reportedly the first cousin of Australian Olympian Cathy Freeman.
Rachel Evans from the Indigenous Social Justice Association, who attended Sunday’s march, told Daily Mail Australia many shared their stories of the young man.
‘The stories today of Pat were moving – he was a really gentle, social man,’ she said.
Patrick (left) was remembered as a ‘gentle, social man’ by attendees at Sunday’s protest
The group put out a shrine for their beloved brother and friend, which was soon covered in colourful flowers, bottles, gumnuts and a snap back cap
A traditional smoking ceremony was held for the crowd, who held signs and pictures about the death
Ms Evans said attendees wanted Patrick’s death looked at in an inquiry, and not brushed off as an accident.
‘We’re saying it’s another death in custody,’ she said.
‘If they hadn’t broken down the door, he wouldn’t have tried to escape.
‘This has to stop. There was no justice done.’
Locals of all ages were seen at Sunday’s march, which began at the George St housing commission block where Patrick died and ended in Redfern Park
Two men were seen with traditional face markings as they farewelled Patrick and fought for justice over his death
A critical incident team from Botany Bay Local Area Command will investigate all of the circumstances surrounding Patrick’s death, a statement from NSW Police says.
‘The investigation will be subject to an independent review and a report will be prepared for the Coroner,’ the statement read.
The investigation will be monitored by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Patrick’s family and NSW Police for comment.
Police are launching an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Patrick’s death