Yahoo News Police respond to 'inadequate' actions over gang with 'replica toy AK-47 rifle' at Roseberry Topping
A parliamentary candidate has slammed Cleveland Police's response to a firearm incident as "wholly inadequate".
Simon Clarke blasted Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner, Matt Storey, for his force's response to an incident which saw a gang of men brandishing an imitation firearm at Roseberry Topping on Sunday. Mr Clarke said he was astonished to discover that the force had merely issued "words of advice" to the men who had an 'imitation' AK-47 rifle and an Eritrean flag at the summit.
Mr Storey has said he will be raising questions about the incident with force leaders on Tuesday. In his letter to the PCC Mr Clarke said: "Carrying a replica firearm in a public place is a criminal offence under section 19 of the Firearms Act 1968, capable of carrying up to a year’s imprisonment.
"There is no doubt in my mind that arresting the men concerned would have been a proportionate response to what was a serious such incident – not least to send a very clear message to others that such scenes cannot and must never be repeated. A mere warning simply does not cut it."
However, the force has now reassured the public that "all reports of firearms are taken extremely seriously" and they immediately deployed armed officers to the scene.
Assistant Chief Constable Richard Baker explained that when firearms officers arrived, they confronted the man carrying the "replica toy firearm". However, it was established that he was part of a community gathering - including families, women and children - who were celebrating an Eritrean holiday called Martyrs’ Day and the families were carrying both Eritrean and Union Jack flags.
The man carrying the imitation firearm was spoken to, and the gun was examined by officers who confirmed that it was in fact a replica toy firearm, Assistant Chief Constable Baker added. "He was very apologetic and hadn’t realised the alarm and distress this would cause to other members of the public in that area."
The force said following careful consideration of the circumstances presented to them, with families and small children attending an event of celebration, officers explained to the man that he could have been arrested under section 19 of the Firearms Act and provided "appropriate words of advice", before the man willingly handed over the replica gun to police.
Cleveland Police confirmed none of the reports received in connection with the incident suggested that the man or anyone else in the party had behaved in a threatening or intimidating manner. "Should this have been the case, officers would have considered a different course of action," Assistant Chief Constable Baker said.
Mr Clarke, who is standing as the Conservative Candidate for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, said on Monday: "I have today written to the Police and Crime Commissioner to raise my very strong concerns about Cleveland Police’s response to yesterday’s imitation firearm incident at Roseberry Topping. If you want to alert the Force to your own view, you can email resolution@cleveland-pcc.gov.uk.
"Our officers do great work in our communities. But this response was wholly inadequate to the seriousness of what occurred and the fear it prompted."
Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey issued a statement on Monday evening saying he planned to raise questions with Cleveland Police leaders on Tuesday. He said: “I understand and share the concerns of the public about the incident at Roseberry Topping over the weekend. I have my own questions about the incident, which I will be raising with senior leaders from Cleveland Police tomorrow.”
Teesside Live previously reported a video was being circulated on social media showing the group with the imitation AK-47 rifle at the busy Teesside beauty spot.
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