Protesters gathered outside Colindale police station following the arrest of 14-year-old boy.
Approximately 40 protesters congregated outside of Colindale Police Station to show their anger after a 14-year-old was arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis earlier yesterday (7 August).
A dispersal order was issued and a cordon was placed around the station. The boy has since been released under investigation according to reports. His mother was present with him when he was released.
During the protest, a 19-year-old was arrested for allegedly assaulting an officer. Some of the police officers did suffer minor injuries but did not require medical treatment.
This is @TemiMwale Director of @4FrontProject outside Colindale police station right now. Police have snatched a 14yo black child off the street and won't say why.
Watch the video, share it and if you have any video footage from today please get in touch with @4FrontProject 1/5 pic.twitter.com/rhodZYLSQu
— Barnet Transformed (@barnettransfrmd) August 7, 2020
Chief Superintendent Roy Smith, Borough commander for the North West BCU, said in a statement: “Whilst I understand that people may feel strongly about some police activity and arrests, interfering or obstructing officers at the scene only serves to inflame an already tense situation.
“Instead, I would ask people to use one of our many mechanisms for engaging and listening when the situation is calmer. This enables both sides to review things with a cool and steady head and in possession of the full range of facts.
Protest outside Colindale Police Station in North London after a 14-year-old boy was arrested this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/y69bgtVC5K
— Kumail Jaffer (@_swoletariat_) August 7, 2020
“Even when well-intentioned interfering, or obstructing officers carrying out their lawful duties, can cause far more problems than it solves. I am committed to listening, learning and improving but my officers must also have the ability to carry out their duties safely and without fear or favour.
“I am also aware of a number of rumours circulating on social media that specifically relate to injuries sustained by those arrested and the nature of this arrest. I want to clarify that no-one who was arrested required medical treatment. Likewise, this arrest was not as a result of a raid or anything of that nature, this was part of a routine patrol in the area.”
(Image Credit: Google Maps)
