Met chief's 'concern' at G20 death

Apr 8 2009

Video images showing an officer policing the G20 protests striking newspaper seller Ian Tomlinson minutes before he died "raise obvious concerns", Sir Paul Stephenson has said.

The Metropolitan Police Commissioner said his colleagues fully support the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) probe into the death.

He said: "My thoughts are with Mr Tomlinson's family at this time. The images that have now been released raise obvious concerns and it is absolutely right and proper that there is a full investigation into this matter, which the Met will fully support."

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith called for the IPCC inquiry to be completed "as quickly as possible" after the footage emerged of a policeman pushing Mr Tomlinson to the ground.

Ms Smith said a criminal investigation could follow if officials find evidence of illegal conduct from video footage, photographs and eyewitness accounts of events close to the Bank of England on April 1.

The IPCC is examining video shot by a passer-by during angry protests attended by more than 5,000 people during last week's summit of the world's most powerful political leaders.

It appears to show a helmeted police officer, with his face partially covered, strike Mr Tomlinson with a baton on the back of his leg before shoving him hard in the back.

The 47-year-old falls heavily to the ground, then remonstrates with officers before getting up with the help of passers-by. He walked away, apparently unhurt, but moments later collapsed and died of a heart attack.

Ms Smith said: "What's extremely important from the events last week, from the sad death of Ian Tomlinson, is that there is an inquiry through the IPCC. That's what's called a managed investigation. It is being overseen by police officers. It needs to happen as quickly as possible.

"I'm glad that the IPCC themselves called for further evidence in order to be able to do that inquiry as quickly as possible. If it identifies the need for a criminal investigation then that also needs to be pursued."