Statement by Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority Toby Harris

57/01
03 August 2001

‘I wish to commend the bravery of police officers who last night responded to the warning that a bomb had been planted in the Ealing area.

‘It is now clear that officers were searching in the vicinity for 15 minutes before the bomb exploded, not knowing where the explosive was situated, and disregarding their own safety and the imminent danger of serious injury or death. Indeed, one woman police officer was slightly injured in the subsequent blast.

‘People in the area have said that they were assisted by a number of officers in plain clothes, who suddenly appeared and made sure they were directed safely away or told to stay clear of windows.

‘In fact, these officers had been off-duty attending a party for a friend when the alarm was raised and immediately set to work helping their uniformed colleagues in the search and warning people of the danger.

‘Officers often have to face perilous situations in their day-to-day duties, uncomplainingly and without any special attention. Often, they probably feel that the rest of us take them for granted.

‘But in circumstances where they are in very real mortal danger, and take huge risks on our behalf, I believe they deserve our support and our gratitude. I wish, therefore, to thank all police officers who took part in last night’s operation, and those who are working tirelessly to investigate the crime.’

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