PCC statement on Southampton protest

PCC Donna Jones said: “As Police Commissioner my role is to hold the Police to account. I will ensure fairness for everyone, regardless of religion or skin colour. I have commissioned an independent review into the events surrounding the murder of Henry Nowak and the wider police response.

“Last night’s protest reflected the strength of feeling across the country about fairness and the importance of impartiality. It’s important that the public have confidence that everyone matters,  and some people’s perceptions that, as a country, we haven’t got this right. The protest last night got out of hand. The scenes represented public disorder and put communities on the edge.

“As Police Commissioner I totally condemn the violent actions of those who took it too far. Of those who pelted missiles at the police, who committed criminal damage and broke the law. This does not help to deliver change, it doesn’t assist public sentiment in the cause of fairness for all. It simply paints these protestors as criminals which weakens their voice.

“I understand tensions in communities, but we must stop separating everybody into different groups. We must achieve fairness for all.”