Poltics
Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, in payment of policing for Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: “This incident was understandably extraordinarily distressing for the boy involved as effectively because the remainder of his family.
“We are conscious of it is going to also cause public disaster and we desire to again the public understand why we responded in the system we did. This would now not in any draw detract from our recognition of the trauma precipitated to the boy, for which I apologised soon afterwards to his family.
“At round 15:45hrs on Wednesday, 19 July, an unarmed officer in Hackney, saw a male on a bicycle pointing what was believed to be a handgun at a young girl.
“Officers from the Met’s specialist firearms describe were called to the scene and positioned a boy matching the officer’s description riding on an electrical pedal cycle nearby.
“Specialist officers are trained on particular tactics including using autos to bring cyclists to a pause. This tactic was former in this case, causing the boy to plunge off his bike.
“Firearms officers left the auto and he was handcuffed and detained. It swiftly grew to change into distinct that he was now not in possession of a firearm. He was de-arrested at the scene. In subsequent enquiries, his family confirmed he had earlier been playing with a toy water gun.
“Our officers are dealing with like a flash moving cases, in response to the restricted information supplied to them at the time. Such is the nature of the threat from firearms that the College of Policing is clear that officers must take care of all firearms as precise and loaded till proven otherwise. The police contain a determined criminal duty below human rights legislation to offer protection to lifestyles, which shapes our system to responding to suspected firearms.
“As would be expected, the actions of the officers involved were reviewed by the Met’s Directorate of Expert Requirements (DPS) and a voluntary referral was made to the Independent Administrative center for Police Conduct. They determined the subject must be handed again to the DPS to investigate – an investigation was conducted and no misconduct has been known. A public complaint has additionally been obtained and this is at the second being investigated by the DPS.
“Since the incident took place, I in truth contain met with the boy’s family to explain the explanations behind our actions. This included showing them the connected body used video from the officers involved. I listened to their concerns and I know the system upsetting this has been for them.
“Responsive to the impact of this incident, enhance has been made obtainable to the boy and his family thru our companions. We contain additionally agreed to a overview of the safeguarding enhance offered, led by our independently chaired Safeguarding Kids Partnership, in describe to be taught any lessons from the incident.
“I’m sorry for the trauma precipitated to the child and I’m jubilant to meet with the family again if they in reality feel that would again.”