WIREDGOV

An Independent Police Complaints Commission managed investigation has concluded there is insufficient evidence to support allegations against Greater Manchester Police officers involved in an incident outside Bridgewater Hall in May 2008.

The investigation examined 18 complaints about the actions of GMP officers in dispersing a public order incident on Monday 5 May. The incident involved an altercation between officers and members of the audience from a talent contest which had been held at Bridgewater Hall.

Officers and members of the public were injured during the incident and several people were arrested. Nobody was charged subsequently.

The IPCC managed the investigation by GMP’s Professional Standards Branch and this determined that a woman had reported an incident near to Mancunian Way in which she claimed a weapon had been discharged from a dark coloured car containing four men.

A car matching the description was seen to park outside Bridgewater Hall and officers decided to investigate. As the officers were speaking to the occupants of the car they recognised one as being on bail for alleged firearms offences. As a result the officers decided to conduct a search of the occupants and the vehicle.

As this search was ongoing audience members from the event at Bridgewater Hall began to leave the venue and were attracted to the ongoing police search. The officers believed they were at risk and called for support.

The investigation determined there were a number of altercations between officers and members of the public and force was used to clear the area.

A total of 18 complaints were examined. All of the complaints were unsubstantiated due to a lack of supporting evidence.

IPCC Commissioner Naseem Malik explained: "This was an incident that caused a great deal of concern. An event highlighting a really positive community message descended into chaos and recrimination. It is clear the events of that night damaged the relationship between Greater Manchester Police and the community of South Manchester. That was why it was important for the IPCC to provide independent oversight and direction to the investigation.

"This proved to be a very difficult investigation, bedevilled by delays outside the control of the IPCC. It is unacceptable that it has taken more than two years for the investigation to be brought to a conclusion. There were delays awaiting the decision whether to charge any of those arrested on the night, followed by delays in receiving statements from complainants.

"But what is apparent is there is a real lack of evidence to support either the police’s or the complainant’s versions of events. Witness statements are conflicting and CCTV and mobile phone footage is poor."

Ms Malik added: "It is apparent this was a chaotic and frightening incident for the public and the police. Officers were entirely justified in approaching the car outside Bridgewater Hall given the information they had. But the intervention of audience members in this operation prompted a large police response and it is clear that officers resorted to force to resolve the situation.

"The evidence would suggest the tactics adopted were justified, but we cannot absolve individual officers in relation to allegations of using excessive force, nor can we absolve audience members from claims they used violence and deliberate resistance against the officers. The simple fact is any independent evidence is of such poor quality that a definitive conclusion cannot be reached. Many of the incidents revolve around the word of an officer against the word of a complainant.

”I appreciate for those who felt compelled to complain about police actions that night this will be an unsatisfactory conclusion. Equally this will not be satisfactory outcome for the officers who believe their actions were fully justified.

"It is a terrible shame that this incident strained relationships between the community – particularly some high profile, well respected community leaders – and GMP. I understand GMP has done a great deal of hard work to build, develop and maintain relationships with the South Manchester community. I encourage them to continue that good work and hope the events of 5 May 2008 can be consigned to history.”