Menu
03/11/2004
London's armed response officers call off protest
A protest that seriously destabilised armed police protection teams in London yesterday has been called off.
At one stage up to 130 of SO19's 400 specialists refused to carry their firearms in protest at the suspension of two colleagues who were found in an inquest to have unlawfully killed a man five years ago.
Metropolitan police commissioner, Sir John Stevens, who had himself served with SO19, personally intervened in the row yesterday. Welcoming the protest officers return to normal duties, Sir John said he was glad they had put the "safety of Londoners and their fellow officers ahead of their own concerns at this time".
An inquest last week found that Pc Kevin Fagan and Insp Neil Sharman had unlawfully killed 46-year-old Harry Stanley during an incident outside a pub in Hackney, east London. Police were called to the area following reports that a man was in the street carrying a shotgun.
On the basis of this tip off, the officers challenged and shot Mr Stanley. It turned out that the victim had in fact been carrying a table leg.
Today, Sir John conceded that armed officers did need more legal protection.
An investigation into the suspensions will now be carried out and the Metropolitan Police Federation, which represents the capital's officers, will be able to make representations on behalf of Pc Fagan and Insp Sharman.
(gmcg)
At one stage up to 130 of SO19's 400 specialists refused to carry their firearms in protest at the suspension of two colleagues who were found in an inquest to have unlawfully killed a man five years ago.
Metropolitan police commissioner, Sir John Stevens, who had himself served with SO19, personally intervened in the row yesterday. Welcoming the protest officers return to normal duties, Sir John said he was glad they had put the "safety of Londoners and their fellow officers ahead of their own concerns at this time".
An inquest last week found that Pc Kevin Fagan and Insp Neil Sharman had unlawfully killed 46-year-old Harry Stanley during an incident outside a pub in Hackney, east London. Police were called to the area following reports that a man was in the street carrying a shotgun.
On the basis of this tip off, the officers challenged and shot Mr Stanley. It turned out that the victim had in fact been carrying a table leg.
Today, Sir John conceded that armed officers did need more legal protection.
An investigation into the suspensions will now be carried out and the Metropolitan Police Federation, which represents the capital's officers, will be able to make representations on behalf of Pc Fagan and Insp Sharman.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 November 2014
Release Of Police Killer Described As 'Sickening'
The release of a man convicted of killing three unarmed police officers in 1966 has been described as "sickening". Harry Roberts, now aged 78, has been released from prison after serving 48 years for 1966 murders of three unarmed police officers in Shepherd's Bush in west London.
Release Of Police Killer Described As 'Sickening'
The release of a man convicted of killing three unarmed police officers in 1966 has been described as "sickening". Harry Roberts, now aged 78, has been released from prison after serving 48 years for 1966 murders of three unarmed police officers in Shepherd's Bush in west London.
02 May 2008
Man killed in Street Clash
A man has died following a street fight in Reading. Another man was seriously injured during the incident that took place in the St Mary’s Butts area of the town at around 4am this morning. Police believe two gangs were involved in the fight. Two men were taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital, where one man later died of his injuries.
Man killed in Street Clash
A man has died following a street fight in Reading. Another man was seriously injured during the incident that took place in the St Mary’s Butts area of the town at around 4am this morning. Police believe two gangs were involved in the fight. Two men were taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital, where one man later died of his injuries.
26 April 2005
Queen unveils National Police Memorial
The Queen has unveiled a National Police Memorial in tribute to British police officers killed in the line of duty. The £2.3 million project includes a large black wall with a glass cabinet displaying a book which names 1,600 police officers who have died in the line of duty.
Queen unveils National Police Memorial
The Queen has unveiled a National Police Memorial in tribute to British police officers killed in the line of duty. The £2.3 million project includes a large black wall with a glass cabinet displaying a book which names 1,600 police officers who have died in the line of duty.
16 May 2006
Survey reveals threat faced by police
Around 7,000 police officers have been threatened with a gun and 40,000 police officers have been threatened with a knife while on duty in the past two years, a survey has revealed.
Survey reveals threat faced by police
Around 7,000 police officers have been threatened with a gun and 40,000 police officers have been threatened with a knife while on duty in the past two years, a survey has revealed.
06 November 2015
50 People Arrested During Protest March In London
Police arrested 50 people last night following an anti-capitalist protest in London. 48 suspects remain in custody while one person has been charged with assaulting a police officer and another received a caution. Large crowds gathered to take part in the Million Mask March on 05 November.
50 People Arrested During Protest March In London
Police arrested 50 people last night following an anti-capitalist protest in London. 48 suspects remain in custody while one person has been charged with assaulting a police officer and another received a caution. Large crowds gathered to take part in the Million Mask March on 05 November.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
