G20 Protest Video Shows Police 'Assault' On Ian Tomlinson Moments Before His Death

Dave Haste
By Dave Haste Last edited 179 months ago
G20 Protest Video Shows Police 'Assault' On Ian Tomlinson Moments Before His Death

police-vans-g20.jpg As we discussed on Monday, allegations have been made that Ian Tomlinson, a bystander at the G20 protests last week, was ‘assaulted’ by police shortly before his death. Now The Guardian has obtained and published video footage, recorded by a fund manager from New York, which reveals the moment of the alleged ‘assault’.

The footage shows Mr Tomlinson, a 47-year old newspaper-seller who was not taking part in the protests, walking along Royal Exchange Passage (an area outside the police cordon at the time) towards Cornhill. He is approached from behind by a group of police officers, one of whom pushes him hard in the back. He falls forward and hits the ground heavily. He is then shown sitting on the ground remonstrating with the police, before being helped to his feet by (presumably) a protester and walking away. Moments after this footage was shot, Mr Tomlinson collapsed and died.

The Guardian plans to hand a ‘dossier’ of evidence, including this video, to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), who are investigating the circumstances of Mr Tomlinson’s death.

Last Updated 08 April 2009