Wednesday 8 April 2009

Always trust a policeman?



A video sheds new light on the death of Ian Tomlinson, a 47 year old newspaper seller who had been on his way home from work when he was confronted by lines of riot police near the Bank of England at the recent G.20 protest in London. The film (here) reveals that as he walks, with his hands in his pockets, he does not speak to the police or offer any resistance. A phalanx of officers, some with dogs and some in riot gear, are close behind him and try to urge him forward. A Metropolitan police officer appears to strike him with a baton, hitting him from behind on his upper thigh. Moments later, the same policeman rushes forward and, using both hands, pushes Tomlinson in the back and sends him flying to the ground, where he remonstrates with police who stand back, leaving bystanders to help him to his feet.The man who shot the footage, a fund manager from New York who was in London on business, said: "The primary reason for me coming forward is that it was clear the family were not getting any answers."

Story from 'The Guardian' here.
(Thanx to the 'hangover-helper' for pointing me in this direction.)

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