Workers Revolutionary Party - SECOND FOREST GATE INQUIRY

The News Line: News Tuesday, 11 July 2006 SECOND FOREST GATE INQUIRY

Angry residents demonstrate against the Forest Gate police raid

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) announced yesterday it is to conduct a second inquiry into last month’s armed police raid in Forest Gate.

The IPCC confirmed it will investigate claims by neighbours of the main raided house that they were assaulted after police broke into 48 Lansdown Road.

One man claims he was hit with a machine gun.

The IPCC said the new investigation is separate from an inquiry launched last month into how Mohammed Abdul Kahar, 23 was shot during the June 2nd raid in east London.

Mohammed Abdul Kahar and his younger brother Abul Koyair, 20, were freed without charge or apology after the 250-strong police operation at their home, 46 Lansdown Road, and adjoining house, number 48.

In a statement the IPCC said: ‘The IPCC can confirm that it has received a complaint from the occupants of number 48 Lansdown Road and is conducting an independent investigation in relation to this.

‘This investigation is separate from the IPCC’s investigation into the discharge of a police firearm during the raid at number 46 Lansdown Road, although it is being conducted by the same investigation team.

‘We have not yet received a formal complaint from the occupants of number 46 Lansdown Road.’

• second news story

900 MORE TROOPS FOR HELMAND

Defence Secretary Des Browne yesterday announced that Britain will be sending 900 more troops to Afghanistan.

In a statement to the House of Commons, he said the current 3,600 troops deployed will rise to 4,500 by October.

He added that ‘320 engineers from 28 Regiment Royal Engineers and company from 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines to provide force protection for them’ will be deployed in September.

He said: ‘We will deploy an additional infantry company drawn from the 2nd Batallion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers to provide more mobile forces and two platoons from the 1st Batallion Royal Irish Regiment to provide additional force protection.

‘There will be a small increase in headquarters staff. We will also boost medical and logistical support.’ In addition, ‘450 call-out notices will be served on individual reservists.’

He said flying hours have been increased for ‘attack and support helicopters’ as requested by commanders and that ‘we will also be making more support helicopters and one additional Hercules C130 available. We also plan to deploy a radar installation.’

Commando regiment personnel will replace Air Assault Brigade personnel in October.