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Bristol Copwatch

@bristolcopwatch.bsky.social
345 followers 254 following 539 posts

Independent grassroots police monitoring

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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
www.amnesty.org.uk/latest/predi... "A history of British policing generally, and predictive policing specifically, in it’s colonial context, is not just empirically useful – it is also crucial for understanding how police forces rationalised their predictions." #WeCopWatch
amnesty.org.uk
Predictive Policing from the Colonies to the Contemporary
Modern policing has always been predictive.
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
copwatchersorg.wordpress.com/2026/10/07/o... Our feared and revered #CopWatch blog is back! This instalment on the #OffenderManagementApp looks again at what it does & why it shouldn't, with an account of its harm and why community action is vital challenging police tech. #WeCopWatch
copwatchersorg.wordpress.com
Organisational freefall and risk scores
By John Pegram- founder, public speaker and caseworker Afternoon all. It’s been sometime since we’ve updated our blog, but here we are again, you and me. I’ve decided to play Wednesday catch-up bec…
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Public speaker #JohnPegram is fundraising for #EMDR therapy to heal #PTSD after a police #databreach that harmed his wellbeing and income. Donate to help him access treatment: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding...
justgiving.com
Help raise £1000 to Fund EMDR Therapy for PTSD Recovery – JustGiving Crowdfunding
Iʼm raising money to Fund EMDR Therapy for PTSD Recovery. Support this JustGiving Crowdfunding Page.
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Two have been promoted and the others are now working in different areas of Avon and Somerset. These are front line police.
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding... Thanks for the support and donations for John's fundraiser so far! #JohnPegram has spent over six years helping Bristolians and others fight for their rights. Now he needs your help to heal from a journey he never intended to make. #shareanddonate #WeCopWatch
justgiving.com
Help raise £1000 to Fund EMDR Therapy for PTSD Recovery – JustGiving Crowdfunding
Iʼm raising money to Fund EMDR Therapy for PTSD Recovery. Support this JustGiving Crowdfunding Page.
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
statewatch.org/news/2026/au... "There is no specific legal basis governing police use of AI technologies in England and Wales.1 Police forces are acquiring powerful new technologies “without fully understanding the capabilities… and the implications" #WeCopWatch
statewatch.org
England and Wales: Growing gap between power and regulation of police AI - Statewatch
Police and legal agencies in England and Wales are actively using at least 27 AI technologies, according to an academic study.
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/news/2653235... We've known and supported her. This episode of police brutality is only part of her story, so everyone at Bristol Copwatch is relieved she's vindicated. Why are the officers still on the front line when they threaten public safety? #WeCopWatch
thewestonmercury.co.uk
Police pay vulnerable Weston-super-Mare woman damages after 'appalling' arrest
Avon and Somerset Police apologise and pay damages after admitting failings in the arrest and custody of a vulnerable Weston-super-Mare woman
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Our phone number is temporarily down! normal service should be resumed in the morning! In the meantime, you can reach us at bristolcopwatch@riseup.net #WeCopWatch
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
We're excited for Thursday! #JohnPegram from our team will speak on his experiences with predictive policing, its harms, and why community power to challenge not fit for purpose #AI systems is crucial to justice and accountability. Register below! #WeCopWatch
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
chuffed.org/project/2022... A Bristol antifascist is now facing prosecution after taking part in a successful day of antifascist action and must raise nearly £11,000 for legal defence. Please share and donate! #WeCopWatch
chuffed.org
Support a Bristol antifascist on trial
Support a Bristol antifascist facing charges for resisting far right attacks
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... Persistent, recurring problems in policing must change — the same patterns can’t continue. #WeCopWatch #databreach
bbc.co.uk
Former police worker sentenced after illegal use of data
Laura Dean purposefully used the police system Niche to carry out searches on several people.
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerse... breaches were recorded in 2022/23, 121 in 2023/24 and 48 in 2024/25. The most common problem was compromised information — 172 incidents, nearly two-thirds of the total. It will be interesting to see the 2026 statistics. #WeCopWatch
somersetlive.co.uk
Huge number of data breaches at Avon and Somerset Police revealed
More than 250 data breaches took place in the past three years
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... She will be contacting us asking for help with complaints about the failures of local policing next. Boom chish. #WeCopWatch
bbc.co.uk
Avon and Somerset PC banned over 'derogatory' WhatsApp comments
The female student officer made a series of comments in a WhatsApp group chat with almost 100 members.
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
We're sharing a fundraiser for member, caseworker and speaker #JohnPegram, diagnosed with #PTSD from a 2021 #databreach caused by police. After over three years of fighting, he needs funds for #EMDR while his income recovers. #shareanddonate #WeCopWatch www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding...
justgiving.com
Help raise £1000 to Fund EMDR Therapy for PTSD Recovery – JustGiving Crowdfunding
Iʼm raising money to Fund EMDR Therapy for PTSD Recovery. Support this JustGiving Crowdfunding Page.
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
www.4wardeveruk.org/trews-law-ur... Campaigners are urging MPs to pass new legislation that would automatically review past cases handled by police officers once they’re jailed — a move aimed at preventing miscarriages of justice. #WeCopWatch www.4wardeveruk.org/trews-law-ur...?
4wardeveruk.org
‘Trew’s Law’ urges review of jailed cops to prevent miscarriages
Lawmakers are being urged to enact a new piece of legislation that would see police officers who are sent to prison immediately having their past cases reviewed to prevent miscarriages of justice.
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Avon & Somerset have a reputation for vindictive tactics and harassment of activists and campaigners who stand up for justice and oppose far‑right hatred. Support a Bristol antifascist on trial — please share and donate. #WeCopWatch #shareanddonate chuffed.org/project/2022...
chuffed.org
Support a Bristol antifascist on trial
Support a Bristol antifascist facing charges for resisting far right attacks
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
We're hosting a know-your-rights workshop tomorrow! #JohnPegram will lead a family stop-and-search & bystander intervention workshop well known for his powerful speaking and lived experience—he's been stopped 50+ times and fighting for his rights since 2018. #WeCopWatch
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
What the failure of predictive policing reveals. rebootdemocracy.ai/blog/why-goo... #WeCopWatch #StopAutomatedRacism
rebootdemocracy.ai
Why “Good Guys” Shouldn’t Use AI like the “Bad Guys”: The Failure of Predictive Policing
This essay argues that predictive policing continues to fail not because police departments lack data, but because they are using the wrong kind of data, in the wrong way. Applying low-stakes…
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding... "There is so much more to me than a mental health diagnosis, and more to life than struggle. Everything changes, and nothing is permanent. " #PTSD #WeCopWatch
justgiving.com
Help raise £1000 to Rebuild My Life: EMDR Therapy for PTSD – JustGiving Crowdfunding
Iʼm raising money to Rebuild My Life: EMDR Therapy for PTSD. Support this JustGiving Crowdfunding Page.
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
We're excited for our #predictivepolicing event with #ORG and #Liberty! #JohnPegram will cover the tech's harms, his fight for rights, #OffenderManagementApp and #ThinkFamilyEducation. Come unpack the tech and oppose oppressive surveillance. #WeCopWatch
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/whats-on/st-... #CommunitiesAgainstRacism 19/9/26 #JohnPegram of our core team is hosting a know your rights workshop for parents and families! It’s a vital event and we look forward to seeing you there! #WeCopWatch
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
"Nine people died during or after contact with Avon and Somerset police last year – the joint fourth highest in the country." #WeCopWatch #SayTheirNames www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol...
bristolpost.co.uk
Nine people died after contact with Avon & Somerset Police
Avon and Somerset Police say they take safeguarding duties seriously
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
www.wired.com/story/britis... “There’s a lot of bias in the police’s data, there’s too many issues for it to be done ethically and fairly.” This report is essential reading. Our next event on predictive policing is in October this year. #WeCopWatch #stopautomatedracism #databreach
wired.com
British Police Built a Sprawling Crime-Prediction Machine. Some Results Couldn’t Be Trusted
As UK police embrace the AI revolution, a WIRED investigation reveals the messy inside story of one region’s experiment with predictive analytics.
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
www.youtube.com/watch Vigil for #ProfessorJasonArday 17/2/26 College Green, Bristol #RestInPower #BristolCommunityAction
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-... We are at the #Bristol vigil for Professor #JasonArday tomorrow night from 6pm. Help support the family by sharing and donating to this fundraiser. #BlackLivesMatter
gofundme.com
Donate to In Memory of Professor Jason Atta Kwei Arday, organized by Sir Patrick Vernon OBE
Help us support the family of Professor Jason Arday with funeral a… Sir Patrick Vernon OBE needs your support for In Memory of Professor Jason Atta Kwei Arday
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
It's important to acknowledge the trauma and harm caused by police, which can erode trust and impact mental health. This #FAQ from #PTSDRecovery highlights these issues. #WeCopWatch
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/uk-worl... Mark Curzon was sexually assaulted by former inspector Gerard Hutchings after being arrested on suspicion of shoplifting. #WeCopWatch
bristolpost.co.uk
Man assaulted by police officer gets him jailed for 10 years
Mark Curzon was sexually assaulted by former inspector Gerard Hutchings after being arrested on suspicion of shoplifting
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
"[The emails] commented that the defendant was the only competent and effective member of that team." Wood, who is white, claimed to be a man of mixed heritage living in St Pauls in his complaint messages." Oh. #WeCopWatch www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Bristol police officer sentenced for false allegations about boss
Jack Wood sent a string of emails to public figures claiming his superior was failing in her role.
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
#JackWood is now making legal threats via email as we have posted about him claiming harassment which being honest is ironic. #WeCopWatch
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Reposted by Bristol Copwatch
The Canary @thecanaryuk.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Voters want Palantir out of the NHS, and ministers may have a good excuse to make that happen in the next 12 months By @willem-moore.bsky.social
thecanary.co
NHS to reevaluate Palantir effectiveness following pushback
Voters want Palantir out of the NHS, and ministers may have a good excuse to make that happen in the next 12 months
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
There are many issues in #StPauls and masquerading as someone from a black community is most certainly not ok.We don't appreciate being drawn into an internal vendetta. It's fair to say not all issues with police failings are fabricated. Does anyone know Jack's old collar number?
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol... Well, well, well. What it doesn't say here is he contacted us too. He was even thinking about coming to our last event. We spoke to #JackWood about his complaints. We didn't know he was a cop. What happened to complaints forwarded to the #IOPC? #WeCopWatch
bristolpost.co.uk
Former police officer who harassed colleague avoids jail
His victim said the harassment 'destroyed my joy of policing'
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
We have been contacted by the press about this vital report and investigation. If you or any families you know have been impacted by #ThinkFamilyEducation or #OMA we would be happy to put you in touch. The Police are accountable. #stopautomatedracism www.wired.com/story/britis...
wired.com
British Police Built a Sprawling Crime-Prediction Machine. Some Results Couldn’t Be Trusted
As UK police embrace the AI revolution, a WIRED investigation reveals the messy inside story of one region’s experiment with predictive analytics.
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
"This case, LMN and XYZ v Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Constabulary IPT/21/199/C and IPT/21/203/C concerned the installation of two covert surveillance devices, a video camera and a microphone..." very interesting reading. #WeCopWatch #RIPA insights.doughtystreet.co.uk/post/102nfhs...
insights.doughtystreet.co.uk
Hannah Smith acts in first Investigatory Powers Tribunal decision on the meaning of residential premises and intrusive surveillance under RIPA (via Passle)
In an OPEN judgment handed down on 27 July 2026, the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) provided important guidance on: The meaning of ‘residential pre...
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... A police officer has been sacked without notice for sending "disturbing" racist and misogynistic memes, including one joking about domestic abuse. #WeCopWatch
bbc.co.uk
Bridgwater PC who sent racist messages barred from policing
PC Luke Hurst was found to have committed gross misconduct and was dismissed without notice.
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
"His kindness and depth as a human struck a chord with all of us and his presence and strong voice lit up a room when he told the story of his journey." Say it louder for the people at the back. #BlackLivesMatter #AhmedFofanah #RestInPower #PeopleLookUp copwatchersorg.wordpress.com/2022/08/31/o...
copwatchersorg.wordpress.com
Our dear friend Ahmed
By all of us at Bristol Copwatch On the 4th of August 2022, our dear friend and fellow cop watcher Ahmed Fofanah tragically and suddenly left us. All of us within the Bristol Copwatch core organisi…
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Today would be our dear friend and comrade #AhmedFofanah's 46th birthday. He was our representative on the community engagement panel for The #CoPOWeR project. He went to #Westminster and spoke his truth in his strong voice and we were all so very proud. #RestInPower
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
www.libertyhumanrights.org.uk/issue/police... Police use of AI: constrained and cautious or out of control? #AIEthics #Accountability #transparency #WeCopWatch
libertyhumanrights.org.uk
Police use of AI: constrained and cautious or out of control? - Liberty
Did you know Liberty offers free human rights legal advice?
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Reposted by Bristol Copwatch
WIRED @wired.com · 28/06/2026
The Think Family Database holds records on close to half a million people who live in the city of Bristol, England. For many years, few of them knew anything about it.
wrd.cm
British Police Built a Sprawling Crime-Prediction Machine. Some Results Couldn’t Be Trusted
As UK police embrace the AI revolution, a WIRED investigation reveals the messy inside story of one region’s experiment with predictive analytics.
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
www.youtube.com/watch "#AI needs to be injected into the police like heroin into the blood stream." Why would a "top" police officer say such a thing? there's nothing like us and them divides is there Andy? We've been here before. #WeCopWatch
youtube.com
Head of Bristol police Andy Marsh on racist stop searches
We asked Bristol’s Chief Constable Andy Marsh why Black Bristolians are nearly 8 times more likely to be stopped by police. One answer, Andy, say it with us: R A C I S M
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
We have closed our #SafetyNotSurveillance campaign on #Chuffed and Donors will be refunded. Thanks for your support! This isn't the end of our fight against #ASP predictive policing. Stay updated on legal challenges against the #OffenderManagementApp and our next event in September. #WeCopWatch
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
@netpol.org
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
@stopwatchuk.bsky.social @openrightsgroup.org @amnestyuk.bsky.social
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crim... Oh. #WeCopWatch #FormerChiefRacist
independent.co.uk
AI needs to be injected into police ‘like heroin into bloodstream’, says top officer
Andy Marsh, from the College of Policing, said he hopes AI can make the task of preparing prosecution case files a ‘problem of the past’ in just two years
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
thebristolcable.org/2026/06/bris... Bristol City Council's data tools may have incorrectly flagged some individuals as at risk of child exploitation. #EndThinkSurveillance #WeCopWatch
thebristolcable.org
Revealed: Bristol data tools risked wrongly flagging child victims - The Bristol Cable
Bristol City Council data tools used to predict risk of child exploitation may have wrongly identified individuals
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Marsh claims effective #AI should be “injected like heroin.” Operational efficiency seems to take precedence over our human rights. #JohnPegram from our team knows this well. #WeCopWatch www.wired.com/story/britis...
wired.com
British Police Built a Sprawling Crime-Prediction Machine. Some Results Couldn’t Be Trusted
As UK police embrace the AI revolution, a WIRED investigation reveals the messy inside story of one region’s experiment with predictive analytics.
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
libertyinvestigates.org.uk/articles/pol... U.K. police forces are adopting handheld facial recognition tech in preparation for a possible nationwide rollout. #WeCopWatch
libertyinvestigates.org.uk
Police expand use of facial recognition apps - Liberty Investigates
UK police forces are embracing handheld facial recognition technology ahead of a potential national rollout
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
www.thecanary.co/uk/news/2026... British police face allegations of AI-generated false evidence. #WeCopWatch
thecanary.co
British police accused of fabricating evidence with AI
In the same week that the government announced 'PoliceAI, a police officer has been accused of using AI to fabricate evidence
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Bristol Copwatch @bristolcopwatch.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crim... A black teenager returned home to discover his mother had attempted suicide and #MetPolice arrested him. What was that about two tier policing again? #WeCopWatch
independent.co.uk
A teen came home to find his mum had attempted suicide. Then police arrested him
Daryl McLune is suing for race discrimination and false imprisonment
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