2011-08-09
By Deborah Ritchie
At 16.50hrs on Tuesday 9 August, there have been 563 arrests made and 105 people charged following serious criminal unrest in London over the past three days, which has left many officers injured, some seriously.
As of this morning, 48 officers had been injured having experienced unprecedented violence directed at them as they have been policing London. Officers have been attacked with bricks, bottles, planks of wood and other missiles. In some incidents, officers have been hit by motor vehicles, seriously risking their lives and those of the public.
Mounted section officers have played a vital role and after successive shifts facing hostile crowds the officers and their horses are tired yet no injuries have been sustained.
DAC Steve Kavanagh said: “The level of violence directed against our officers as they have bravely done their duty to keep London safe is unprecedented. We have over 50 officers who have needed treatment - some may even require surgery. Our dog units and mounted section have faced tough conditions and some have suffered injuries also.
“We are dealing with dangerous criminals; men and women, boys and girls, who are willing to put lives at risk and target the very people that are here to keep our communities safe.
“But this is not just about my officers who continue to do their very best. This is also about the damage these thugs are doing to our neighbourhoods. Local shops and businesses have been ruined, householders have been left homeless and great damage done to our local services and infrastructure.
“We are now undertaking an operation to identify those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will not tolerate this dangerous behaviour.”
Despite the heightened risk of public disorder across London, there is no specific advice regarding closing businesses early or any major changes to public transport arrangements.
Moving forward, London will be challenged to repair its reputation as a safe place to visit and do business.
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