Police Release New Footage Of Royal Attack
3:43pm UK, Tuesday January 04, 2011
Police have released new footage of an attack on Prince Charles' car during the tuition fees protests in London in an attempt to trace those responsible.
Metropolitan Police detectives who are investigating the violence on December 9 issued CCTV pictures from the Regent and Oxford Street areas of the city.
It was on these busy shopping streets that the Rolls-Royce taking the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall to the theatre was attacked by demonstrators.
Up to 20 people set upon the car, some were carrying bottles and chanted "off with their heads" and "up the republic".
There has been widespread criticism of the apparent lapse in security which left the pair visibly shaken and shocked but unharmed.
The video and images show four people officers from theOperation Malone team would like to trace in connection with events.
Although the images are grainy police hope the individuals will be recognised
One shows a woman striking the Royal car and breaking the back window of one of the convoy vehicles.
She is pictured with a man, whom police would like to trace as a potential witness.
Officers are also keen to identify two men seen separately attacking the car.
At least three metal dustbins were also hurled at two other cars in the convoy which was travelling to Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium.
Detective Chief Superintendent Matthew Horne, heading the operation, said: "The student protests saw a number of incidents of violence escalate across central London, including in the shopping areas of Oxford Street and Regent Street during some of the busiest Christmas shopping periods.
"Police officers were attacked, and buildings and shops had their windows smashed, amongst other acts of vandalism, including an attack on the Royal convoy.
PETER BLEKSLEY ON ROYAL ATTACK
"We believe that most of the people whose pictures we have released today may have committed serious offences of violent disorder and criminal damage in this area and urge them, or anybody who knows them, to come forward and speak to us.
"We understand the importance of the right to protest, but people who break the law and endanger those who wish to protest peacefully by committing criminal offences must face the inevitable consequences of their actions."
Royal security expert Peter Bleksley told Sky News the Royal couple's protection team "fundamentally failed in their duty" that day.
He said it was "staggering" that there had not been a more public examination of what they did wrong so they can face the consequences.
Protests took place across the country in November and December by students opposed to a rise in tuition fees to a maximum of £9,000 a year.
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