Assoc. Newspapers Ltd.

Rubber bullets are 'last resort'

by Hugh Muir and Danielle Demetriou

Rubber bullets could be used by police to control tomorrow's expected May Day riots, the chairman of the Metropolitan Police Authority has warned.

The use of the bullets for the first time on the mainland would be a last resort, Lord Harris said.

"There's the possibility of the use of rubber bullets. But that would really be in extremis and not without the personal authorisation of the police commissioner," he added. "It will be possible to access them if required."

The serious view of the anticipated violence is confirmed by news that Ken Livingstone has been placed under police protection after being targeted by anarchists.

The Mayor is being accompanied on his engagements by two officers, believed to be members of Special Branch.

Rail and Tube chiefs warned today that central London stations may have to be closed as a result of the protests. Stations most at risk include Waterloo, Charing Cross, Tottenham Court Road, Oxford Circus, King's Cross and Euston.

Oxford Street is still believed to be the target for the main protest but police are also preparing for a direct attack on the Underground.

They fear protesters may try to use a network of Tube ventilation shafts to disable the network as well as move around the capital. The shafts that lead to service tunnels have been boarded up.

Police are also trying to prevent activists smuggling a massive sound system into London to act as a rallying point. Detectives believe the success or failure of the protest depends partly on whether protesters are able to play music in an area like Oxford Street which would form a focus for crowds. Once a sound system is established it would be difficult to move without major violence, while bringing the surrounding area to a standstill.

Many businesses are still considering whether to close tomorrow. Some companies have told staff to take the day off.

Lord Harris described the situation that would allow police to use rubber bullets in an interview for BBC Radio 4's Westminster Hour. He said: "I think that it would be in very extreme circumstances where there were far more protesters than the police anticipated and the situation had got out of control.

"I would be very surprised indeed if we got to that situation and that will be something police throughout the day will be looking to avoid."

Lord Harris, who has recently had talks with Met Commissioner Sir John Stevens to work on contingency plans, said police did not plan to use CS but added that officers routinely carry CS and pepper sprays.

Lord Harris added: "The responsibility of the police under the circumstances is to keep Londoners moving, to protect the lives of Londoners and to protect London as a city."

Police sources played down the possibility of rubber bullets being used, saying this had not been discussed at any time during the planning for May Day.

One source said: "Baton rounds have never been fired on the mainland and I cannot think we would start using them now. They can only be used on the commissioner's authority and it would only happen if things had completely broken down, if lives were at risk, not simply if we were outnumbered."

Lord Harris also admitted that both he and Sir John Stevens may be forced to resign if they failed to handle the riots efficiently. "I think the reality is that for all senior police officers and politicians, our jobs are always on the line if something goes wrong," he said.

An LU spokeswoman said: "We will be offering a normal service where it is safe to do so but we will be guided by the police." There will be a strong contingent of British Transport Police at all main stations.

It is understood that the officers guarding Ken Livingstone were assigned at least a week ago at the insistence of Scotland Yard.

He has been outspoken in his criticism of the anarchists and, along with Sir John Stevens warned that those involved in any violence will be caught and prosecuted. Last week he said he was sure violence will occur. But yesterday he pleaded with demonstrators to make their protest peacefully.

Around four main protest groups are thought to be involved in planning violence. Many fringe groups wanting to demonstrate peacefully are now believed to be planning to stay away.

A hardcore of 1,000 activists are believed to be still planning to descend on the capital and up to 10,000 protesters could join the demonstration. The police's Operation Benbow is estimated to be costing more than £1 million.

-- Anonymous, April 30, 2001