Top cop slams ‘inconsistent’ politicians

The UK’s most senior police officer has criticised Parliament for its “inconsistencies” in tactics when dealing with people who took part in the recent riots across England.

At least 3,000 people have been arrested so far, in what is the largest single group of convictions of modern times.

Scotland Yard acting commissioner Tim Godwin has said he will stop at nothing to ensure those who rioted are convicted. Police have also been slammed for their own tactics, with many residents complaining that officers stood back and allowed people to break into shops and steal goods. However, Mr Godwin insisted these claims are “extremely hurtful and untrue”.

He said Scotland Yard chiefs did not issue orders for officers to hold back during the widespread unrest last week. Mr Godwin also insisted that the “unprecedented” task for police in dealing with the aftermath of the rioting, which took place throughout London and in many other English cities, should be with the aftermath of the 7/7 bombings.

Speaking to reporters at a police briefing, he said: “At the end of the day, if we are successful I would imagine that we would be putting 3,000 or so people through the courts. That’s yet to be worked through but we have lots and lots of images, we have lots and lots of CCTV and there were lots of people involved.”

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