Demand for answers as probe into Pc’s Libyan embassy death collapses
SENIOR POLICING figures have claimed a “bland” explanation for the collapsed investigation into a suspect in the Yvonne Fletcher murder will not satisfy the public.
Former Scotland Yard commissioner Lord Stevens said “fuller” answers will be wanted following the announcement that a prosecution against a Libyan man will not proceed.
His calls were echoed by another former senior police officer, Sir Hugh Orde, who was concerned that people would not be “comfortable” if the reason key evidence was withheld remains shrouded in secrecy.
A decision was made that crucial material cannot be used in court on the grounds of national security, all but marking the end of the 33-year hunt for Pc Fletcher’s murderers.
The 25-year-old was caught in a volley of gunfire as she policed a demonstration against Colonel Muammar Gaddafi outside the Libyan People’s Bureau in St James’s Square on April 17, 1984.
The suspect, who is in his 50s and reportedly has a son and wife in the UK, was released from bail without charge and told the probe would not proceed “at this time”, the Metropolitan Police said.
The decision was decried as “absolutely horrendous” by a former colleague of the fallen officer, while her family said they were “deeply disappointed and frustrated”. Lord Hall agreed
it was “very disappointing” adding: “An immense amount of hard work has been involved in pursuing that case.
“I suspect the public will probably want more of an answer as to why the prosecution hasn’t proceeded, whether it’s diplomatic immunity or something extremely secret. At the end of the day, one has to accept those decisions. That’s what the police do, they put the evidence in front of prosecutors. I do think the public may well want a fuller explanation.”
Asked who should provide the explanation, he said: “I think it will be down to serving police officers and the prosecution system itself, so we will have to wait to see. I suspect that discussion is going on.”
Sir Hugh said a “huge amount” of police effort had been poured into the inquiry.
He said: “I’m surprised in the sense that I don’t think the public will be comfortable with such a bland statement.
“I think they’ll want to know more to better understand why that decision was made. I’m sure there will be a debate about what happens next.”
Sir Hugh and Lord Stevens were speaking at the annual conference of the Police Federation of England and Wales in Birmingham, where they are leading a campaign for a national police memorial.
Police admitted the latest development meant the likelihood of another breakthrough in their investigation is “low”.
The Police Federation of England and Wales said the decision was a “disgrace”, while Home Secretary Amber Rudd praised detectives but declined to comment on the details of the case.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: “We do not routinely comment on intelligence matters.”
The Met statement added the investigation into the “act of statesponsored terrorism” remains open, but it is unlikely more evidence will be found.
Steve White, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said:”The Metropolitan Police have been scrupulous in their efforts to bring Yvonne’s killer to justice, but this will look to many like people can quite literally get away with murder. It’s a disgrace.”