Tomlinson family complain to IPCC about 'cover up'

Today the family of Ian Tomlinson lodged a further complaint with the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

The IPCC have been asked to investigate the claim that a senior Metropolitan Police officer misled those investigating the cause of the death of Ian Tomlinson by alleging that Ian fell onto the ground before the assault incident with the police officer (which was captured on video).

Paul King, son of Ian Tomlinson, said

"We feel that there has been a cover up from the start. The first statement from the police was that they were trying to save Ian’s life while protesters were throwing missiles at them. Then the police liaison officer told us Ian died of “natural causes”. After the video came out, the City of London Police investigator told us that it may have been a protester in disguise who assaulted Ian. Now it has come to light that a senior officer in the Metropolitan Police has given the investigation misleading information. We are asking the IPCC for a full report on what looks like a cover-up."

G20 report: Has HMIC forgotten about Ian?

The family of Ian Tomlinson, who died at the G20, have issued a response to the HMIC report on G20 policing that was released today.

Julia Tomlinson, Ian's widow said:

"It's important that the police look at their mistakes after the G20, but we wonder why this report only talks about policing of protesters?

Has HMIC forgotten about Ian, who lost his life at the G20 and was simply a passer-by? Policing at protests affects everyone in the area and we are disappointed that neither this report nor any of the other reports about G20 policing so far have addressed this."

Candlelit Vigil to remember Ian Tomlinson

Eight months after Ian Tomlinson's death, his family invite you to a

CANDLELIT VIGIL
to remember Ian Tomlinson

As well as Ian's family, speakers include:

Samantha Rigg David - Sean Rigg Justice & Change Campaign
Deborah Coles - INQUEST
John McDonnell MP

Tuesday 1st December
from 6pm - 7.15pm

At: Royal Exchange by Threadneedle Street, London, EC3V 3LL
Nearest tube: Bank

Ian died in tragic circumstances, an 'innocent passerby' trying to get home, after a police assault at the G20 protests on April 1st 2009.

Eight months on, our family are preparing for our first Christmas without him and still waiting for justice.

We have been grateful for public support this year and would like an opportunity to hold this public memorial gathering to remember Ian, with our friends and supporters around us.

We ask that those who attend please wear black as a mark of respect and remember that this is peaceful event.

PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE COMING so we can estimate numbers and please send messages of support - a number of these will be read out at the vigil.

RSVP to iantomlinsonfamilycampaign@gmail.com

Tomlinson Family Attend MPA Civil Liberties Panel

Five members of Ian's family attended a public event organised by the Metropolitan Police Authority's Civil Liberties Panel at City Hall today.

News coverage:

The Guardian: Investigation of G20 death 'cover-up' would be inappropriate, Ian Tomlinson's family told

Dave Hill's London blog in the Guardian

BBC: G20 victim's family 'frustrated'

The Sun: Police ‘in cover-up’ over G20 death Ian

The Metro: Relatives of G20 protest victim Ian Tomlinson demand answers and G20 police 'covered up dad's death'

The Evening Standard: G20 protest victim's family demand answers

Family Response to Sir Ian Blair's Guardian Interview

In response to the comment by former Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair in today's Guardian, Ian's widow Julia Tomlinson said:

It is totally shocking. I can't believe that he thinks what happened to Ian has to happen to someone else. Can't the police learn lessons and change?

Assaulting an unarmed citizen walking away from the police is not a method of crowd control and can never be acceptable to the public. What needs control is the police officers. It's no wonder that the Mayor got rid of him. We hope that the current commissioner will distance himself from his comments.