Met Police Increase Stocks Of Plastic Bullets

According to an official report police wanted to fire plastic bullets at rioters during last summers London riots. Specialist units already being deployed in other areas was the only reason it didn’t happen.

The report also reveals how the Metropolitan police have increased its capacity since the riots.

Plastic bullets, also known as baton rounds, are intended as a less lethal alternative to regular firearms. They have never been used on the UK mainland. Concerns were raised when the Met said the weapons were on standby during the rioting.

The Met's strategic review into its handling of the riots reveals that commanders twice considered using baton rounds, also referred to as attenuated energy projectiles.

At the time of the riots, Sir Hugh Orde, president of Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo), cautioned against deploying baton rounds. "I do not think it would be sensible in any way shape or form to deploy water cannon or baton rounds in London," said Orde, who deployed plastic bullets during his time as the chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

"Baton rounds are very serious bits of equipment. I would only deploy them in life-threatening situations. What is happening in London is not an insurgency that is going to topple the country. There are eight million people in London and it is a tiny proportion doing this. They are gangs of looters and criminals and although it is concerning it has to be kept in proportion."

Assistant commissioner Mark Rowley, who compiled the report, said: "What I hope isn't lost amongst the public's reading of our detailed analysis is the extreme situation and the individual acts of heroism that took place across London.

"The summer was without precedent and as a result stretched the [Met] beyond all anticipated capability. However I accept this will be of little comfort for those who were victim to the violence, looting and arson."

(H)