HC Deb 24 March 1983 vol 39 cc474-6W
Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis concerning incidents of public disorder which occurred in Kilburn, London, on Wednesday 10 March; and if he will make a statement on the contents of the report.

Mr. Mayhew

We understand from the Commissioner that at about 3.30 pm on Wednesday 9 March three youths in Salusbury Road NW6, who had apparently themselves had abuse shouted at them by another person, in turn shouted abuse at pupils leaving a secondary modern school. This led to a fight between the youths and about six of those from the school, which two police officers in a car came upon and attempted to stop. The officers had, however, to call for reinforcements. Whilst making an arrest, one of the additional officers was injured in an eye, requiring immediate surgery.

During the disturbance four of the youths from the school were arrested. As a result, a crowd of about 150 people gathered outside Kilburn police station. Others attempted to find the three youths who had allegedly started the fight; the three were arrested by the police before any further confrontation could take place. Community leaders and teachers made efforts to persuade the crowd to behave peacefully, and they calmed down considerably when they learnt of the further arrests, although a substantial number of people remained outside the police station until late at night.

Six of those arrested have been charged with offences under the Public Order Act 1936 and remanded on bail until 14 April; the seventh has been referred to the juvenile bureau for a decision on whether he should be charged.

The injured officer has lost part of an eyelid but I am pleased to say that we understand that he is making good progress and that his sight will be unimpaired. And we welcome the readiness of responsible local people to assist the police in persuading others to moderate their behaviour.

Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis concerning incidents of public disorder which occurred in Hackney on Saturday 12 March; and if he will make a statement on the contents of the report.

Mr. Mayhew

We understand from the Commissioner that at 1.45 pm on 12 March about 180 people, with an open lorry carrying supporters at their head, began a march from Mare street, Hackney, calling for a public inquiry into the death of Mr. Colin Roach. The number of marchers had grown to about 275 by about 2.45 pm when they reached Stoke Newington police station, outside which they stopped and were addressed by a person on the lorry before resuming the march. Apart from a minor incident in Northwold road in which two people were arrested, the marchers had confined themselves to shouting abuse and allegations at the police. But, for reasons which are unclear, at about 4.45 pm, in Kingsland high street, there was some disorder at the front of the march, with scuffles between marchers and the police, attempts to free people who were being arrested and fighting between marchers. The incident lasted no more than one or two minutes. At the same time, the driver of the lorry was arrested as a result of an incident with a police officer, and the lorry was driven away, as prisoner's property, by the police. With order restored the marchers proceeded to Hackney town hall for a meeting, addressed from the steps by a number of speakers, which ended, without incident, at about 5.15 pm.

One of the speakers had called for a march to City road police station in support of the people being held there who had been arrested earlier in the afternoon. At about 5.25 pm about 75 people set off on the march, growing to about 150 in number when they arrived, about 45 minutes later, outside the police station, where they mounted a noisy demonstration. About half the demonstrators left at 7 pm when they learnt that a number of the arrested people were to be released. At 7.15 pm the police moved to reopen the roadway outside the police station. There were some scuffles with the demonstrators and three arrests were made. The demonstrators then gradually left the area, without further incident.

Altogether, 24 people were arrested in the course of the events and charged with offences including assault, the possession of offensive weapons, obstruction and the use of threatening behaviour. Six of the people were held in custody over the weekend and one of these was remanded in custody on Monday 14 March but released the following day. All 24 are now bailed, to appear in court on various dates. A total of 574 police officers were deployed throughout the duration of events on 12 March; 13 incurred minor injuries.

My right hon. Friend shares the concern that the true circumstances of Mr. Roach's tragic death should be established and be widely accepted. But he does not believe that events such as those on 12 March serve these purposes. There is to be an inquest, which itself will be an occasion for a full, independent examination in public of both the medical and circumstantial causes of the death. Whilst that is the subject of a coroner's investigation, it would not be appropriate to establish another, separate inquiry into it or matters related to it. The local commander has demonstrated his desire to establish a relationship of trust between the police and all sections of the local community and my right hon. Friend hopes that all those who share his concern that there should be effective, responsible and responsive policing in Hackney will feel able to support and encourage his efforts.