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24/06/2013
PM Concerned Over Stephen Lawrence 'Smear' Claim
Prime Minister David Cameron has said he is "deeply concerned" after an uncover police officer claimed he was asked to spy on the family of murdered teenager, Stephen Lawrence.
18-year-old Lawrence was attacked by up to six white youths and murdered in a racist attack in April 1993. It has now been revealed that shortly after the teenager's death, Peter Francis said he was ordered to find "dirt" that could be used against members of the family, The Guardian has reported.
He also said he was asked to target the friend who witnessed the murder, as well as campaigners who were angry at the failure to bring the young man's killers to justice.
The claims were revealed as a result of a joint investigation into undercover policing by the Guardian and Channel 4's Dispatches programme, which is to be broadcast on Monday night.
Speaking to The Guardian, Mr Francis said: "I had to get any information on what was happening in the Stephen Lawrence campaign.
"They wanted the campaign to stop. It was felt it was going to turn into an elephant.
"Throughout my deployment there was almost constant pressure on me personally to find out anything I could that would discredit these campaigns."
Addressing the claims, Mr Cameron said he wants the allegations looked into, with Home Secretary Theresa May expected to make a statement about the claims this afternoon.
(JP/CD)
18-year-old Lawrence was attacked by up to six white youths and murdered in a racist attack in April 1993. It has now been revealed that shortly after the teenager's death, Peter Francis said he was ordered to find "dirt" that could be used against members of the family, The Guardian has reported.
He also said he was asked to target the friend who witnessed the murder, as well as campaigners who were angry at the failure to bring the young man's killers to justice.
The claims were revealed as a result of a joint investigation into undercover policing by the Guardian and Channel 4's Dispatches programme, which is to be broadcast on Monday night.
Speaking to The Guardian, Mr Francis said: "I had to get any information on what was happening in the Stephen Lawrence campaign.
"They wanted the campaign to stop. It was felt it was going to turn into an elephant.
"Throughout my deployment there was almost constant pressure on me personally to find out anything I could that would discredit these campaigns."
Addressing the claims, Mr Cameron said he wants the allegations looked into, with Home Secretary Theresa May expected to make a statement about the claims this afternoon.
(JP/CD)
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Met Reach Out-Of-Court Settlement With Family Of Ian Tomlinson
The family of Ian Tomlinson have reached an out-of-court settlement with the Metropolitan Police over his death in London in 2009. Mr Tomlinson died shortly after being struck with a baton and pushed to the ground by a riot officer during G20 protests in the city. Mr Tomlinson was not involved in the protests and was just making his way home.
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'Park and Ride' schemes damage countryside, campaigners claim
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'Park and Ride' schemes damage countryside, campaigners claim
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Man Jailed For Attempting To Kill Neighbours' Cat
A man who attempted to kill his neighbours' cat in Hereford has been sentenced to 20 weeks in prison. Karl Dyke, 52, admitted trying to murder the Siamese cat in July. Michael and Tracey Lawrence saw Dyke dangling the cat from a rope in his shed. The cat was not injured in the incident.
Man Jailed For Attempting To Kill Neighbours' Cat
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Dementia drug appeal rejected
An appeal by Alzheimer's disease groups to win greater access to drugs has been rejected by the NHS watchdog responsible for recommending drugs use. The National institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) announced that the appeals lodged by stakeholders against draft guidance on the use of drugs to treat Alzheimer�s Disease have not been upheld.
Dementia drug appeal rejected
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20 August 2007
CCTV Released Of Murdered Biker
Police have released CCTV footage showing Hells Angel biker, Gerry Tobin, shortly before he was gunned down on the M40 motorway. Police also confirmed new evidence shows a second shot was fired at Mr Tobin, 45. CCTV cameras showed Mr Tobin filling up his Harley Davidson motorbike in his last stop before his killing.
CCTV Released Of Murdered Biker
Police have released CCTV footage showing Hells Angel biker, Gerry Tobin, shortly before he was gunned down on the M40 motorway. Police also confirmed new evidence shows a second shot was fired at Mr Tobin, 45. CCTV cameras showed Mr Tobin filling up his Harley Davidson motorbike in his last stop before his killing.
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