Met refuses to rule out water cannon

The Metropolitan Police has raised the possibility of using water cannon on crowds in London if violence breaks out at demonstrations after the Home Secretary told MPs "organised thugs" may have infiltrated last week's fees protest in the capital.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Dec 2010, 23:03 BST
Updated 13th Dec 2010, 23:03 BST

Calls for the deployment of water cannon were sparked by violence at last Thursday's protest against the planned hike in university tuition fees, including an attack on a car carrying the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.

Following speculation that Camilla was struck by a stick pushed through the window of the royal couple's car, Theresa May confirmed that "there was some contact made" and said an urgent police review of royal security will be completed by December 17.

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In a statement to the House of Commons, Mrs May said that police believe "organised thugs" – some armed with snooker balls, flares, fireworks and stones – had infiltrated last week's student protest.

Police had already received a good public response to the publication of photos of suspected ringleaders and she expected significant additions to the current tally of 39.

Earlier, Charlie Gilmour – the son of Pink Floyd frontman David – was released on bail after being arrested by Scotland Yard on suspicion of violent disorder and attempted criminal damage of the Union flag on the Cenotaph during the protests.

With more protests expected today when the House of Lords debates the increase in the maximum tuition fee to 9,000 a year, Scotland Yard said it had no current plans to deploy water cannon but would not rule them out in future.

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The head of the Met's public order branch, Commander Bob Broadhurst, said: "I would emphasise we will not rush in to anything and we are not in the business of knee jerk reactions.

"Anything we do will be carefully and fully considered to ensure the best outcome for protesters, officers and all Londoners."

Mrs May told MPs that, while water cannon had been used on occasion in Northern Ireland, they were not a "traditional part of British policing".

But she added: "I think it is important that operational advice is taken from the police – these matters are an operational decision of the police but... in England and Wales it's a matter for the Home Office to determine whether it is legal to use such measures."

Related topics:MPsLondonHouse of Lords