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14/03/2012
Met Police Increase Stocks Of Plastic Bullets
According to an official report police wanted to fire plastic bullets at rioters during last summers London riots. Specialist units already being deployed in other areas was the only reason it didn’t happen.
The report also reveals how the Metropolitan police have increased its capacity since the riots.
Plastic bullets, also known as baton rounds, are intended as a less lethal alternative to regular firearms. They have never been used on the UK mainland. Concerns were raised when the Met said the weapons were on standby during the rioting.
The Met's strategic review into its handling of the riots reveals that commanders twice considered using baton rounds, also referred to as attenuated energy projectiles.
At the time of the riots, Sir Hugh Orde, president of Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo), cautioned against deploying baton rounds. "I do not think it would be sensible in any way shape or form to deploy water cannon or baton rounds in London," said Orde, who deployed plastic bullets during his time as the chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
"Baton rounds are very serious bits of equipment. I would only deploy them in life-threatening situations. What is happening in London is not an insurgency that is going to topple the country. There are eight million people in London and it is a tiny proportion doing this. They are gangs of looters and criminals and although it is concerning it has to be kept in proportion."
Assistant commissioner Mark Rowley, who compiled the report, said: "What I hope isn't lost amongst the public's reading of our detailed analysis is the extreme situation and the individual acts of heroism that took place across London.
"The summer was without precedent and as a result stretched the [Met] beyond all anticipated capability. However I accept this will be of little comfort for those who were victim to the violence, looting and arson."
(H)
The report also reveals how the Metropolitan police have increased its capacity since the riots.
Plastic bullets, also known as baton rounds, are intended as a less lethal alternative to regular firearms. They have never been used on the UK mainland. Concerns were raised when the Met said the weapons were on standby during the rioting.
The Met's strategic review into its handling of the riots reveals that commanders twice considered using baton rounds, also referred to as attenuated energy projectiles.
At the time of the riots, Sir Hugh Orde, president of Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo), cautioned against deploying baton rounds. "I do not think it would be sensible in any way shape or form to deploy water cannon or baton rounds in London," said Orde, who deployed plastic bullets during his time as the chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
"Baton rounds are very serious bits of equipment. I would only deploy them in life-threatening situations. What is happening in London is not an insurgency that is going to topple the country. There are eight million people in London and it is a tiny proportion doing this. They are gangs of looters and criminals and although it is concerning it has to be kept in proportion."
Assistant commissioner Mark Rowley, who compiled the report, said: "What I hope isn't lost amongst the public's reading of our detailed analysis is the extreme situation and the individual acts of heroism that took place across London.
"The summer was without precedent and as a result stretched the [Met] beyond all anticipated capability. However I accept this will be of little comfort for those who were victim to the violence, looting and arson."
(H)
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Water Cannon London Rioters, Says Ulster MP
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09 August 2012
Notting Hill Restaurant Rioters Jailed
16 young men, aged between 15 and 25, have been jailed for a riotous rampage through west London in which they attacked a lone shopkeeper, robbed diners at a Michelin-starred restaurant and smashed their way into a casino during last August's riots.
Notting Hill Restaurant Rioters Jailed
16 young men, aged between 15 and 25, have been jailed for a riotous rampage through west London in which they attacked a lone shopkeeper, robbed diners at a Michelin-starred restaurant and smashed their way into a casino during last August's riots.
11 June 2013
Riot Police Deployed As G8 Protesters Occupy Former Police Station
Some 100 riot police have been deployed in central London as protestors take to the streets to demonstrate ahead on the G8 summit being held in Northern Ireland next week. Officers were sent to Soho, where protesters are thought to have occupied a former police station on Beak Street.
Riot Police Deployed As G8 Protesters Occupy Former Police Station
Some 100 riot police have been deployed in central London as protestors take to the streets to demonstrate ahead on the G8 summit being held in Northern Ireland next week. Officers were sent to Soho, where protesters are thought to have occupied a former police station on Beak Street.
08 November 2011
Met Police Advise 'Plastic Bullets Available'
The Metropolitan Police has issued a statement saying they have access to "baton rounds", just as a major protest on student fees looms. Over 10,000 students are expected to march over the implementation of student fees on Wednesday. Last year, similar marches led to a number of clashes with police forces, amid chaotic scenes.
Met Police Advise 'Plastic Bullets Available'
The Metropolitan Police has issued a statement saying they have access to "baton rounds", just as a major protest on student fees looms. Over 10,000 students are expected to march over the implementation of student fees on Wednesday. Last year, similar marches led to a number of clashes with police forces, amid chaotic scenes.
31 May 2012
Rioters Convicted Of Shooting At Police
Three men who blockaded a main road and shot at police during last summer's Birmingham riots deliberately lured police to the scene, a court heard. They started a fire at a pub in Aston and blockaded the A34 before firing at officers and a police helicopter, in the early hours of August 10 last year.
Rioters Convicted Of Shooting At Police
Three men who blockaded a main road and shot at police during last summer's Birmingham riots deliberately lured police to the scene, a court heard. They started a fire at a pub in Aston and blockaded the A34 before firing at officers and a police helicopter, in the early hours of August 10 last year.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
