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Watch: Met Police boss grabs mic after ‘two-tier policing’ question

Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner (Credit: Sky News)

As Britain braces itself for further outbreaks of violence, questions are being asked about the UK’s police response and how effective it has been. While a number of officers have been injured over the past week as they work to contain rioters, accusations have been levelled at officers for ‘two-tier policing’ – amidst fears that some protests are dealt with more harshly than others.

So when Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, was spotted leaving the Cabinet Office by reporters today, it seemed only natural that he be quizzed on the matter. But when one journalist questioned Rowley about whether the UK would ‘end two-tier policing’, the Police Commissioner was rather reluctant to answer. In fact, he instead grabbed the top of the reporter’s microphone and, er, threw it to the ground. Charming…

It’s hardly, um, the best way to address concerns about the country’s forces. You can only run from scrutiny for so long…

Watch the clip here:

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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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