Video killing of Ian Tomlinson 'achieved order' says police federation

The revolting Smyth from the police federation on BBC Radio 4
this morning said death was 'a very small incident'

Forget the IPCC, we need a criminal investigation now. Who are the officers in the video? Who is the officer that hit him. Was there a policy of hitting below the waist as reported by protesters? Who made up the 'missiles' story? Did cordoning protesters for hours contribute to death? Why was the media allowed to spread confusion and downright lies?

The Guardian got the video from a New York fund manager who wanted to see what was happening first hand on the protests, according to BBC Radio 4. Not everyone fell for the nonsense coming from employers in the City, including my own - to hide your phone/ipod and walk with fear and suspicion, if you dare to go out at all that is.

As always the police federation provide us with an early, incoherent, outline of police defence, Radio 4 Today programme (7 April):

Some initial thoughts from Peter Smyth of the Met police federation which represents ordinary officers. No one from the senior police would speak to the BBC this morning. No one from the government either. I love this democracy thing - so responsive

Mr Smyth initially said he couldn't comment on the incident but couldn't help himself when it came to questions he wanted to have a go at answering.

'very small incident,

'It achieved order'.'

'confrontation mercifully quite small'

'Not clear who is part of the protest and who isn't.'

Davis gave the police a very soft time and it still sounded like premeditated murder

David Howarth MP who tried to liaise between protesters and police before the protests:

'It's the run-up preparation that's so crucial'

'Atmosphere to expect violence created in run-up'

'rain of bottles and missiles was jumped on by certain media outlets.'

accuses police of using 'spin'.

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