Statement by Len Duvall, Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority on the latest development in the Harry Stanley case

3 June 2005

The Metropolitan Police Authority is responsible for the oversight of policing in London, on behalf of citizens. We are therefore maintaining a close interest in the continuing investigation into the death of Harry Stanley, and the latest development with the arrest of two MPS officers yesterday.

Mr Stanley died in tragic circumstances almost six years ago. It is a matter of deep concern that the investigation is not yet concluded. It cannot be in the interests of the family, or of the officers under suspicion, or of justice, for the matter to go for so long without conclusion.

At this stage, what we all want to see is that this long running investigation is brought to a conclusion as speedily as possible but above all that it is completed thoroughly and impartially, and with due process. The MPA will make no other comment on this case, and recognises how vital it is that Surrey police and the Crown Prosecution Service should get on with their job without interference or compromise.

Firearms officers in the MPS do a difficult and dangerous job to protect the public and unarmed police colleagues from armed criminals. They keep London safer. In doing their job, they have to make split second decisions with life or death consequences. The men and women in the MPS Specialist Firearms Unit deserve, and will receive, the support of the MPA and of Londoners.

Policing in London is a difficult and complex job. I am absolutely clear that all police officers in London must be accountable for their actions. There can be no exemptions for any police officers from proper accountability under the law. From my conversations with officers at all ranks, I know they would not expect any.

The MPA and MPS will continue to co-operate fully with the Independent Police Complaints Commission, the Crown Prosecution Service and Surrey police.

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