G20 policing under scrutiny after 90 complaints

The tactics used by British police during the G20 protests were under further scrutiny tonight after the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said it had received 90 complaints about the use of force.

The IPCC today launched a third investigation into police tactics at the protests after a 23-year-old London man alleged he was assaulted by a Metropolitan Police officer.

The man claimed he was assaulted at a police cordon on Cornhill in the City of London some time between 6pm and 7pm on April 1.

The investigation is the third to be launched by the IPCC in relation to the protests earlier this month.

It is already investigating events leading up the death of newspaper seller Ian Tomlinson on April 1 and an allegation of an assault on Nicola Fisher at a vigil for Mr Tomlinson on April 2.

An IPCC spokesman said more than 185 complaints have been received relating to G20 of which almost 90 are from alleged victims of – or witnesses to – excessive police force.

A further 52 relate to complaints about police tactics such as not letting people through an area.

The IPCC said a further 44 do not appear to be eligible for investigation under the Police Reform Act – for example those from people who watched footage on TV or the internet.

A spokesman said tonight: “The Independent Police Complaints Commission is to investigate a new allegation of excessive force relating to the G20 demonstrations.

“A 23-year-old London man has alleged he was assaulted by a Metropolitan Police Service officer.

“It is alleged the incident occurred between 6 and 7pm on April 1, 2009 at a police cordon on Cornhill in the City of London.

“This was referred to the IPCC by the Metropolitan Police.”

A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that a third complaint has been referred to the IPCC.”

She said the force is taking steps to identify the officer involved.

The IPCC is already investigating police conduct towards newspaper vendor Ian Tomlinson who collapsed and died close to the protests on April 1.

A suspended police officer – a member of the Territorial Support Group – was yesterday interviewed under caution for manslaughter after a second post-mortem examination found Mr Tomlinson died from internal bleeding and not a heart attack as previously thought.

The IPCC last night spoke to a second complainant, Nicola Fisher, who is shown in video footage appearing to be struck across the face by an officer and hit with a baton.

A Metropolitan Police sergeant has been suspended from duty while the April 2 incident is investigated.

A spokesman for the IPCC today said it had requested a presence at the first post-mortem examination on Mr Tomlinson’s body but had been refused by the coroner.

At the time, no formal investigation had been launched although Mr Tomlinson’s death had been referred to the IPCC.

The first post-mortem examination, carried out by pathologist Dr Freddy Patel, found Mr Tomlinson, a recovering alcoholic, had a diseased liver and heart and was thought to have died as a result of a heart attack.

The spokesman said an IPCC representative was present at the second post-mortem examination which it had requested after speaking to Mr Tomlinson’s family.

Dr Nat Cary, who conducted the second post-mortem examination said the hardening of the arteries in Mr Tomlinson’s heart was not serious enough to kill him.

A spokesman for the City of London Coroner’s Court said: “Dr Cary’s opinion is that the cause of death was abdominal haemorrhage. The cause of the haemorrhage remains to be ascertained.

“Dr Cary accepts that there is evidence of coronary atherosclerosis but states that in his opinion its nature and extent is unlikely to have contributed to the cause of death.”

Mr Tomlinson’s stepson, Paul King, said: “As time goes on, we hope that the full truth about how Ian died will be made known.”

The family’s solicitor, Jules Carey, said the IPCC at first opposed revealing the findings of the second post-mortem examination, fearing it might prejudice their investigation.

“It is of some comfort to the family that the record is now being put straight, but they hope that the IPCC investigation will be expedited and thorough, and that there will be a prompt referral to the CPS for charge,” he added.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said the force was co-operating fully with the IPCC and would “proactively” give it any relevant information.

In the aftermath of Mr Tomlinson’s collapse, Scotland Yard issued a statement describing how officers trying to help him were pelted with bottles by protesters.

But under pressure following the revelations surrounding his death, and footage of another protester being struck by an officer, Met Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson ordered a review of police tactics in handling demonstrators.

An IPCC spokesman said several national newspapers had published the names of people complaining about police actions during the G20 protests.

“To date we have received a formal complaints from two people who have spoken to the media,” he added.