Minutes

Minutes of the Metropolitan Police Authority held on 26 July 2001 at Romney House, Marsham Street, London, SW1.

Present

Members

• Toby Harris (Chair)
• Jennette Arnold
• Anthony Arbour
• Reshard Auladin
• Richard Barnes (Deputy Chair)
• John Biggs
• Cindy Butts
• Nicky Gavron
• Peter Herbert (Deputy Chair)
• Darren Johnson
• Jenny Jones
• Nicholas Long
• Cecile Lothian
• R David Muir
• Eric Ollerenshaw
• Sir John Quinton
• Angela Slaven
• Richard Sumray
• Graham Tope
• Abdal Ullah
• Rachel Whittaker

MPA officers

• Catherine Crawford (Clerk)
• Peter Martin (Treasurer)
• Nick Baker (Secretariat)

MPS officers

• Sir John Stevens (Commissioner)
• Tarique Ghaffur (Assistant Commissioner)
• Michael Todd (Assistant Commissioner)
• Bob Alexander (Head of Finance)

87 members of the press/public and other MPA/MPS staff were also present.

Part 1

21. Apologies

(Agenda item 1)

Apologies were received from Elizabeth Howlett and Lynne Featherstone.

22. Minutes: 14 June and 10 May 2001

(Agenda item 2)

Resolved:
that the minutes of the Authority meetings held on 10 May 2001 and 14 June 2001 be signed as a correct record.

23. Questions from the public

(Agenda item 3)

In accordance with Standing Order 15, the Authority were asked questions from Zena Award, Rhian Davis (question put to Authority by Margaret Trotter on Ms Davis’ behalf), Robert Crowhurst (question put to Authority by Kieran Roberts on Mr Crowhurst’s behalf), Kieran Roberts and Mick Gordon. Those questions and responses given by the Clerk are attached to these minutes at Appendix 1

Resolved:
that the questions put by the five Members of the public be noted.

24. May Day 2001

(Agenda item 4)

Meeting with May Day demonstrators

(Agenda item 4a)

The Authority received a report that gave details of a meeting between the Chair of the Authority and some Members of the Authority, the Clerk and members of the public who had attended the May Day demonstrations. The report informed the Authority that the aim of the meeting was to allow people to express their views on how the demonstration was policed.

The Chair reported that the key areas raised from the discussion were: the containment of the demonstrators; lack of formal pre-planning, in that the police were unable to establish a dialogue with any organisers in advance of the demonstration the need to have present at containment area one identified senior officer with discretion to negotiate the release of individuals.

The Chair also informed the Members that at the meeting it was reiterated that the MPA cannot issue instructions to the Commissioner on operational matters, but could and would exert influence through setting policing priorities, through the policing plan and its budget decisions.

Resolved:
that the Authority note the issues considered the meeting held with the demonstrators.

Policing of May Day 2001

(Agenda item 4b)

The second report on May Day informed Members of the policing arrangements that were implemented for policing of organised and spontaneous protest, together with other activities that took place on May Day 2001. The report also summarised details of a workshop given to Members on this matter.

Members sought clarification on the procedure for releasing those people who were not part of the demonstration, but who were caught in the containment of the demonstrators, particularly at Oxford Street and Euston.

Assistant Commissioner Michael Todd confirmed that it was at the discretion of officers to release those people not believed to be involved in the demonstration from any confined areas, but acknowledged that there was a need for clear guidelines on containment. He also suggested that there should be legislative change, in order for police services to have a clear direction on this issue.

Responding to a question from Jenny Jones, Assistant Commissioner Todd, shared her views that any guidelines on containment needed to take account of a person’s rights and to ensure that suitable facilities were made available to those people being confined. He also acknowledged that briefing and training of officers was essential to ensure that all officers understand their roles and responsibilities to release people who are innocently caught up in any containment area.

The Authority agreed that there was a need to review and/or develop guidelines associated with containment and that the MPA should be involved in developing these with the MPS. In doing so, Members recognised the importance of discussing appropriate guidelines with event organisers and other interested parties such as the business and local community. However, this could only be undertaken with those event organisers that entered into a dialogue with the police.

It was agreed that, following the MPS review of the May Day demonstrations, a report on the conclusions of that review, together with developing guidelines on containment be presented to a future meeting.

Resolved:
that

1. the report be received;
2. a report on the outcomes of the MPS review of the May Day demonstrations, together with developing guidelines on containment be presented to a future meeting of the Authority.

Protocol for MPA members observing at public order events

(Agenda item 4c)

The Committee considered a report that sought agreement to a protocol for MPA Members observing at public order events.

In agreeing the protocol, it was noted that it was very much a starting point and could be adapted or amended in the future if required.

Resolved:
that

1. the protocol be approved; and
2. the Members’ allowance scheme be amended so that attendance at public order events, which have been agreed in line with the protocol, count as an approved duty.

25. Minutes of committees

(Agenda item 5)

The Authority received the approved/draft minutes (previously circulated) of the following committee meetings:

Professional Standards and Performance Monitoring Committee 12 June 2001
Finance, Planning and Best Value Committee 19 June 2001
Human Resources Committee 21 June 2001
Consultation, Diversity and Outreach Committee 26 June 2001
Co-ordination and Urgency Committee 5 July 2001

Arising from the Human Resources Committee minutes, John Biggs expressed the view that the Committee should continue to review location allowance boundaries for MPS civil staff.

26. Chair's and members' update

(Agenda item 6)

The Chair updated Members on recent key activities undertaken by him since the previous meeting of the Authority.

These included: attendance at a meeting to discuss arrangements for this year's Notting Hill Carnival, along with the Mayor and the Commissioner; attendance at a series of events to celebrate a century of finger printing, these included a lecture, a reception and a gala evening. Along with colleagues on the Authority, signing off the first MPA Annual Report; a meeting with the Home Secretary to discuss various funding issues relating to policing London, including the C3i project and Notting Hill Carnival; met and spoke to the London Asian Business Advisory Group on crime, policing and safety; and met with the Youth Crime Initiative in Southwark.

Members discussed the youth crime initiatives being undertaken in Southwark and agreed that it would useful if this could be presented to all Members of the Authority at a future meeting. The Authority also agreed to write to the Borough Commander and the Chief Executive of Southwark to thank them and their staff for their work on this issue.

The Chair also informed the Authority that he, along with other Members and officers, had viewed the film ‘Injustice’ which was about deaths in custody. The film raised many issues and the Authority agreed that following reports to appropriate MPA committees, the Authority should also consider a report on deaths in custody, specifically to identify the role the MPA following a death in custody. Other areas that should also be considered further included: police officers’ rights to silence, the role of the Police Complaints Authority, the length of time it takes to investigate a death in custody, disclosure issues and working with partner organisations.

The Members’ update included a report from Jenny Jones on a recent visit to Bramshill, the National Police Training College. Reshard Auladin expressed concern relating to the Strategic Command Course and the need for the Authority to review the developmental training for senior officers. It was agreed that the Human Resources Committee should consider these issues.

(Secretaries note: It was noted that the Consultation, Diversity and Outreach Committee on 20 September would be viewing the presentation on youth crime initiatives being undertaken in Southwark and following discussion with the Chair, it was agreed to invite all MPA members to that meeting to view this presentation and not to repeat it to a meeting of the full Authority)

Resolved:
that

1. at a future meeting the Authority a report be presented on the initiatives undertaken in Southwark relating to youth crime;
2. a report be presented to a future meeting of the Authority on the role of MPA in taking forward the issues raised by the deaths in custody film; and
3. the Human Resources Committee consider a report on Bramshill National Police Training for senior officers.

27. Commissioner's update

(Agenda item 7)

The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, Sir John Stevens, gave the Authority an update on the following developments and current issues:

Notting Hill Carnival

The Commissioner informed the Authority of the current arrangements for policing the Notting Hill Carnival. These included intelligence gathering to target known criminals as well as groups that may use Carnival to cause unrest, obtaining better vantage points for police to view crowds and the number of police that would be on duty during Carnival.

The Commissioner informed the Authority that he was concerned about the arrangements for this year’s Carnival. the Commissioner expressed serious apprehension that not all of the funded 600 stewards for Carnival had yet been recruited nor had any training for these stewards commenced. There had been no confirmation that there would be a reduction in the number of floats taking part in the Carnival, which raised serious safety issues.

Arising from these concerns the Commissioner reported that there would be an increase in the number of officers on duty at the Carnival, which would result in officers having to be abstracted from other London boroughs.

With regard to the stewarding of the Carnival, Nicholas Long informed the Authority that 300 of the 600 stewards had been recruited, but he was concerned that while it was the responsibility of the Notting Hill Trust to employ stewards, it was not their responsibility to manage them. This raised serious liability concerns. As a member of the Groups, Nicholas Long also gave details about the Mayor’s Review Group’s interim report on Notting Hill Carnival, which he would circulate to Members.

The Authority shared the Commissioner’s concern that many of the issues raised had not been taken on board or resolved, particularly with Carnival only a few weeks away. The Authority felt that this raised serious safety and crime and disorder issues and feared that should there be problems at this year’s Carnival, unfair criticisms would be made of the police.

Members also stressed that in future the Authority should take more of a stance on arrangements for the Carnival and agreed that the Chair meet urgently with the Mayor in order to resolve the issues raised by the Commissioner and Members, particularly those relating to stewarding and safety issues.

Shooting in Brixton

The Commissioner gave details of the recent fatal shooting by police officers of a man in Brixton.

The Commissioner reported that the Northumbria Police would be undertaking an independent inquiry into this incident, assisted by Avon and Somerset. The Commissioner expressed his dismay that the Police Complaints Authority and the Inspectorate of Constabulary had approached 42 other police services all of which declined to undertake this investigation.

The Authority requested that their regret at the death of the shooting of Mr Bennett be recorded and supported the independence of the investigation. Members expected to be kept informed of the progress of this investigation. Richard Sumary informed the Authority that, as Chair of the Professional Standards and Performance Monitoring Committee, he would be kept informed of the progress of the investigation and would pass on any non-confidential information to Members. The Commissioner reminded Members that this was a criminal investigation and any questions or information provided should take account of this.

Members raised concern relating to easy access to imitation firearms and the need to re-inforce the message that imitation firearms should not be carried. Members commissioned a report to a future meeting of the Authority that explored alternative methods, tactics and weaponry, and the protocols and guidelines on the use by police of firearms. This report should also discuss the influx of firearms from such places as eastern Europe and measures being taken to stop this.

Disorder in Brixton

Following the shooting of Mr Bennett in Brixton it was reported that a march and vigil taken place in Brixton with subsequent violent disorder.

The Commissioner gave details of several incidents that had taken place and Members noted the cost of £350k of the operation and number of officers deployed. Members also requested that their thanks be given to Chief Superintendent. Broadhurst and his officers who were subjected to considerable abuse during the march.

Members noted that the violence that occurred was not associated with the march, but was used, mainly by disaffected youths in the areas, as an excuse to cause damage and disorder.

Concern was also expressed at the apparent breakdown in relations between the local community and the local authority and the increase in street crime and decreasing judicial disposals.

Operation Trident

The Commissioner gave brief details on Operation Trident.

It was noted that following the Authority meeting in September a fuller presentation on Operation Trident would be given to Members.

Arising from the discussion a request was made that MPA Members be invited to meet representatives from the Jamaican Police Service when they next visit this country.

Recruitment and retention

The Commissioner updated the Authority on recruitment and retention issues. In particular the Commissioner stated that recruitment numbers were consistent, but retention of officers was a cause for concern.

It was noted that a workshop that day would be looking at retention issues.

New Malden Police Station

The Commissioner reported on the re-opening of New Malden Police Station front desk and that in a short period of time 12 other front desks would be opened.

Members suggested that there needed to be a clearer understanding of what volunteering involves, both by the community and by officers and that better information on this issue needs to be disseminated.

Nicholas Long informed the Authority that caution should be sounded in raising public expectations in relation to opening front desks, as there were costs associated in ensuring that proper facilities were made available.

Members also asked the Commissioner to evaluate those stations and front desks that are opened along side other community users such as those operated by local authorities and the probation service, which may reduce operational costs.

Richard Sumary raised the point that many of the issues raised at the meeting need to be reflected in the budget process, particularly as they may have major cost implications. Consideration may need to be given to maintaining a central reserve to cover such policing requirements.

Arising from the discussion, Jenny Jones asked for confirmation that the police were not making speed enforcement a priority, even at a borough level. Assistant Commissioner Todd confirmed he did not believe in speed enforcement for the sake of it and was committed to casualty reduction and targeted speed enforcement as well as working to educate people about speeding.

Resolved:
that

1. the Commissioner’s report be noted;
2. the Chair meet with the Mayor to reiterate the Authority’s concern about arrangements for this years Notting Hill Carnival, particularly those relating to the stewarding measures and the number of floats taking part in the Carnival; and
3. a report be presented to a future meeting of the Authority on firearms issues, including details of the guidelines issued to officers in the use of firearms and alternative tactics and methods.

28. Operation Strongbox

(Agenda item 8)

The Authority considered a report that summarised the performance of Operation Strongbox initiative undertaken in the London Borough of Haringey , codenamed Operation Castille. The report noted the achievements and developments that had been delivered through this approach to improve performance and tackle crime.

The report gave details of the policing numbers during the operation and the targeting of resources to policing concerns in the borough. The report also considered the tactics of the operation, details of the use of video sentries, the use of dogs in drug detection, performance during the operation and learning opportunities from the operation.

Assistant Commissioner Todd confirmed that the operation had worked closely with the local community and this would continue within Operation Strongbox as an example of best practice. Arising from this, Members reiterated the importance of feedback to the community and it was noted that feedback had been given to partners consulted on the tactics of the operation.

Members congratulated the team on their performance, particularly in Haringey that had been highly successful.

Arising from the discussion, Cecile Lothian drew attention to the increase in rape in London. The Commissioner confirmed that rape had increased by 17%. Members were informed that rape was to be the first issue to be looked at by the Professional Standards and Performance Monitoring Committee’s scrutiny committee. Members commissioned a report on the increase in rape to a future meeting of the Authority.

Resolved:
that

1. the report be noted; and
2. a report be presented to a future meeting on the increase of rape in London.

29. HMIC inspection of the MPS

(Agenda item 9)

Following the publication of the HMIC report on the inspection of the MPS, the Authority received a report that summarised the key findings of that report and gave details of the action to be undertaken within the MPS arising from the report’s findings. Members were asked to note the proposed implementation and monitoring of the seven recommendations of the HMIC report.

The Clerk reminded Members that the Authority had a duty to comment on the recommendations made in the HMIC report and to monitor the implementation of those recommendations. The Clerk undertook to report to the next Authority meeting on the MPA comments and the process for monitoring the HMIC recommendations. The report would also outline which MPA Committee would monitor which of the HMIC recommendations.

Resolved:
that

1. the report be noted;
2. a report on the process for monitoring the HMIC recommendations and the MPA comments on the HMIC report be presented to the next meeting of the Authority.

30. Internal Audit annual report

(Agenda item 10)

The Authority considered a report on the Internal Audit Annual Report 2000/01.

The Chair of the Audit Panel, Sir John Quinton highlighted the concerns of both the Panel and Internal Audit relating to the ‘adequacy of internal control in the MPS’ and ‘the basic weaknesses in financial controls in system reviews during the year’.

Sir John informed the Authority that the Audit Panel had stated that the MPS management must ensure that appropriate priority is accorded to the internal audit recommendations and that all high-risk recommendations should normally be implemented within six months.

Members noted the comments of the Audit Panel and acknowledged that observations made in the report were as a result of long-term financial management problems and were not a reflection of the current Commissioner on Director of Resources. Members also suggested that regular reports from the MPS on the monitoring of the implementation of the internal audit recommendations should be quarterly as opposed to six monthly.

The Treasurer, in response to Members’ questions about reviewing the overall financial position this year, confirmed that the Finance, Planning and Best Value Committee in September would discuss this issue and would address issues of un-funded budget initiatives.

Resolved:
that

1. the Authority note the key points of the Internal Audit Annual Report and that reports on the monitoring of the implementation of the internal audit recommendations should be quarterly as opposed to six monthly;
2. the Authority reaffirm its support for implementation of the Treasurer’s action plan for restructuring the Finance Department and clarifying the financial control framework;
3. the Authority support the action proposed by the Audit Panel in securing implementation of internal audit recommendations; and
4. the Authority request a report from the Commissioner setting out how financial management can be integrated with service management within the MPS.

31. 2002/03 budget guidance

(Agenda item 11)

The Authority considered a report on the Mayor’s guidance on the development of the 2002/03 budget with commentary on specific implications for the MPA.

The Chair informed the Authority that the following amendment to the recommendation in the report had been proposed by Anthony Arbour (seconded by Eric Ollerenshaw):

Following the final word in the recommendation within the report

'… and request at the Finance, Planning and Best Value Committee on 14 September 2001 a report on the financial and operational effects on the MPS of devolving to an appropriate body: (1) the traffic warden service; (2) the enforcement of traffic regulations; and (3) a single organisation for providing the waterborne services in London currently provided by LFEPA and the MPS'

Following a vote, the amendment to the recommendation was lost.

(6 Members voted for the amendment, 14 against. Anthony Arbour, Eric Ollerenshaw, Richard Barnes and Nicky Gavron requested that their names be recorded as voting in favour of the amendment).

Resolved:
that

1. the Authority note the guidance issued by the Mayor for development of the 2002/03 budget; and
2. those issues raised in the proposed amendment be brought at an early date to the appropriate MPA Committee.

32. Police reform programme

(Agenda item 12)

The Authority considered a report that brought together the elements of the police reform programme and attempted a preliminary allocation of lead responsibility for the various elements to the Authority’s Committees and Sub-Groups. The report also suggested Members that this issue could be taken further at the Association of Police Authorities Plenary Committee meeting in early August

Members also agreed that this important issue be further discussed at the next meeting of the Authority.

Resolved:
that

1. Members note the report and approve the proposed taking forward the work arising from the reform programme;
2. Members feed in a response to the Association of Police Authorities discussion paper; and
3. a further report on the police reform programme be presented to the next meeting of the Authority.

33. Thirty years plus: retaining officers

(Agenda item 13)

In association with the previous report on the agenda, Members delayed consideration of a report on the options for retaining officers with over thirty years experience of service as a means of reducing police wastage.

Resolved:
that that the Human Resources and Finance, Planning and Best Value Committees consider the options outlined in the report and related proposals as they might arise from the police reform programme.

34. Changes to meeting dates

(Agenda item 14)

The Authority considered a report that sought amendments to dates of MPA Authority and Committee meeting dates in order to confirm with the timetable for submission of the budget to the Mayor.

Resolved:
that the changes to the dates of meetings as outlined in the report be agreed, including the cancellation of the Authority meeting on 20 December 2001.

35. Geographical link members

(Agenda item 15)

Following the resignation from the Authority of Roger Evans, the Authority considered a report that sought nominations to fill geographical link member vacancies.

Resolved:
that

1. John Biggs be the geographical link member for Havering; and
2. Eric Ollerenshaw be the geographical link member for Hackney and Redbridge.

36. Exclusion of press and public

(Agenda item 16)

A resolution was put to exclude the press and public from the meeting during agenda items 17 - 19 as they were likely to disclose exempt information as described in Schedule 12(a) (1) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

Resolved:
that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during discussion of the following item of business.

37. Details of the Virdi Inquiry

(Agenda item 17)

The Authority was updated on the progress of an inquiry being conducted on its behalf.

Resolved:
that

1. the progress on the inquiry be noted;
2. the proposed timescale for publication of the final report be agreed; and
3. information gathered by the inquiry be released as outlined in the report.

38. Operation Resolve

(Agenda item 18)

The Authority agreed that this item be withdrawn.

39. Exempt minutes

(Agenda item 19)

The Authority approved the exempt minutes of the meeting held on 12 June 2001.

40. Exempt information: members' update

Sir John Quinton informed Members of details relating to his national and international functions. Further details of these were circulated to Members for information.

The meeting closed at 1.45 p.m.

Appendix 1: Responses to questions from the public

The following responses are made on behalf of the MPA to the questions put by members of the public. Where relevant, they are based on information provided by the Metropolitan Police.

Response to questions from Zena Awad

Questions

1. Of those 23 arrested for possession of offensive weapons, bladed instruments and violence please give a breakdown of the exact resulting charges. For example if the charge is one of possession of offensive weapon please state the type of offensive weapon.

2. When you say 37 arrests were made in the immediate area please specify the exact location you are referring to.

3. Please give a breakdown of times that each of these arrest was made.

Response

1. The following charges resulted from the 23 arrests at Euston and Oxford Circus: two for possession of an offensive weapon - a martial arts weapon and a stolen police baton; nine for violent disorder; one for possession of a pointed article (a pair of secateurs); one for common assault; one for assault on police; and one for affray. Six people were bailed or failed to return. Two people were released without further action.

2. The arrests were made in Melton Road and Drummond Street, NW1; and in Oxford Street and Circus, Great Portland Street, Great Castle Street and Holles Street, W1.

3. The arrests were made between 1.15 p.m. and 9.10 p.m. The actual time of each arrest can only be established by looking at each individual file. I have not asked the MPS to undertake this time consuming task.

Response to questions from Rhian Davies

Questions

1. What was the release policy of the Metropolitan Police to those being detained?

2. What discretionary powers did the police have to release individuals and, if there were any, what were the criteria for the discretion being used?

Response

1. A large number of people engaged in the May Day protest were contained in the Oxford Circus area under the powers available and the duty placed on the police at common law to prevent a breach of the peace.

The containment was kept under regular review and those held were informed by a variety of methods, including public address systems. Throughout the period of the containment officers tried, where possible, to identify and release those who were obviously not engaged in the protest. The containment action was considered necessary and proportionate in relation to the likely occurrences of violence and damage.

2. The police had discretion to decide that a person who was not obviously involved in the protest should be allowed to leave.

Response to questions from Robert Crowhurst

Questions

1. What was the policing strategy adopted for May 1st protests in London?

2. What specific powers were used to detain people?

3. What procedures were in place to identify those that were not causing or threatening a breach of the peace and allowing them to leave?

Response

1. The report by the Commissioner elsewhere on the agenda for this meeting sets out the strategic intentions and the tactical plan for the policing operation. A copy of this report will be sent to Mr Crowhurst.

2 & 3. People engaged in the Mayday protest were contained in the Oxford Circus area under the powers available and duty placed on the police at common law to prevent a breach of the peace. The Commissioner’s report explains why the officers in command of the policing operation considered that there were reasonable grounds to fear that the public would be subjected to violence and that there would be widespread damage to property if this action was not taken.

As stated in the response to the question from Ms Davies, the containment was kept under regular review. Throughout the period officers tried, where possible, to identify and release those who were obviously not engaged in the protest.

Response to questions from Kieran Roberts

Questions

1. How does the MPA propose to scrutinize the decision of the Metropolitan Police to adopt the tactic of prolong mass detention as it did on May 1st at Oxford Circus if the remit of the MPA does not allow consideration of the intelligence which formed the basis on which the Metropolitan Police adopted such tactics?

2. How can the MPA assess whether or not so called operational matters such as police tactics adopted on demonstrations are proportionate and necessary in a democratic society and therefore do not infringe Human Rights, if such matters are outside the remit of the MPA?

Response

1 & 2. These issues were discussed quite fully when the Chair and other Members of the Authority met with some May Day demonstrators, including Mr Roberts, on 13 July. The note of this meeting is included in the public papers for this meeting of the Authority.

As the Chair emphasised at the meeting on 13 July, the MPA’s remit does not extend to involvement in specific operational issues, and these include an assessment of whether the tactics adopted for particular policing operation were founded on accurate intelligence.

It must be valid to consider whether the proportionality of any police response can be seen as reasonable compared to the problems that are thereby avoided. Ultimately, this is an issue that can only be settled through the courts.

However, whilst responsibility for operational policing matters rests with the Commissioner, this does not preclude the Authority or its Members from talking about such operations and from providing a platform to encourage the Metropolitan Police to talk more publicly about their approach. Indeed, this has been demonstrated by the Authority’s discussion, in public, of the May Day demonstrations at its previous meetings, its willingness to engage in a dialogue with representatives of the demonstrators and the facility for members of the public to put written questions to Authority meetings.

Response to questions from Mick Gordon

Questions

In response to the question from Ms Sam Diaz at the meeting of the Authority on 14 June 2001, it was stated that 37 arrests were made in the immediate area of Oxford Circus and Euston. Of these arrests please explain the following:

1. How may of these were later released without charge?

2. How many of those charged were arrested from within or on dispersal from the contained area of Euston and Oxford Circus?

3. Of the 23 arrested for possession of offensive weapons how many were later released without charge?

Response

1. Two people were later released without charge.

2. 30 were arrested in these two areas. The remainder were arrested in Holles Street.

3. The reply to Ms Diaz in fact stated that “23 of those arrests at Euston and Oxford Circus were for criminal offences relating to the possession of offensive weapons, bladed instruments and violence.” Of these two were released without further action being taken.

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