Smith in call over G20 death probe

Apr 8 2009

Jacqui Smith has called for the probe into the death of Ian Tomlinson to be completed "as quickly as possible" after footage emerged of a policeman pushing him to the ground.

The Home Secretary said a criminal investigation could follow if the Independent Police Complaints Commission thought one was needed.

The IPCC is examining video shot by a passer-by during last week's G20 protests outside the Bank of England.

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 pushing 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."

The footage, obtained by The Guardian newspaper, prompted Mr Tomlinson's son to demand answers from police.

Paul King, 26, said his father left work selling the Evening Standard at Monument Station at about 7pm but was prevented from getting home by police barricades.

Liberal Democrat justice spokesman David Howarth said the footage was "sickening" and called for a full scale criminal investigation.