The National Crime Agency is considerating launching a new investigation into the Stephen Lawrence case, 25 years after the teenager was stabbed to death, according to media reports.
Lawrence, 18, was attacked by at least five white youths in Eltham, southeast London, on 22 April 1993, in what has become one of the most high-profile racially motivated killings in the UK. It wasn’t until 2012 that two members of the gang were convicted for their part in the murder.
According to The Guardian, the NCA is considering a new criminal inquiry focusing on the police officers in charge of the first investigation into the killing. The probe would potentially place “four former detectives under criminal investigation for the offence of misconduct in public office”.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The crime enforcement agency reportedly wants to investigate why the Metropolitan Police bosses failed to make any arrests in the two weeks following the stabbing, despite being given the names of suspects.
The officers involved have now “retired from policing and have always denied any wrongdoing”, says The Guardian.
The newspaper adds that the NCA “does not believe it has evidence to suggest the four officers acted corruptly”.
There have been multiple reviews and inquiries into the case, including a 1999 report chaired by Sir William Macpherson that was highly critical of the Met Police.
Reports of the potential new inquiry emerged as Lawrence’s father, Neville, announced that he has chosen to forgive his son’s killers. Making the decision had been “one of the hardest things” he has ever done, he said. “The fact that I had to lose my first child has been devastating. I can’t begin to explain the pain and the anguish me and my family have suffered over the past 25 years.”
But he added: “When these boys killed my son Stephen, they created a legend. In his death, Stephen is a legend.
“There is debate about racism, there are organisations set up to help to make people understand about racism, the police have been put under the spotlight because of Stephen’s death.”
David Norris and Gary Dobson are currently serving life sentences for their roles in the murder.
-
Why is the Trump administration talking about ‘Western civilization’?Talking Points Rubio says Europe, US bonded by religion and ancestry
-
Quentin Deranque: a student’s death energizes the French far rightIN THE SPOTLIGHT Reactions to the violent killing of an ultraconservative activist offer a glimpse at the culture wars roiling France ahead of next year’s elections
-
Secured vs. unsecured loans: how do they differ and which is better?the explainer They are distinguished by the level of risk and the inclusion of collateral
-
How the ‘British FBI’ will workThe Explainer New National Police Service to focus on fighting terrorism, fraud and organised crime, freeing up local forces to tackle everyday offences
-
Christian Brückner: why prime suspect in Madeleine McCann case can refuse Met interviewThe Explainer International letter of request rejected by 49-year-old convicted rapist as he prepares to walk free
-
What to do if your phone is stolenThe Explainer An average of 180 phones is stolen every day in London, the 'phone-snatching capital of Europe'
-
The Met police's stop and search overhaulThe Explainer More than 8,500 Londoners have helped put together a new charter for the controversial practice
-
Scotland Yard, Gaza and the politics of policing protestsTalking Point Met Police accused of 'two-tier policing' by former home secretary as new footage emerges of latest flashpoint
-
Can the Met Police heal its relationship with the Black community?In depth Police chiefs accused of not doing enough to address reported institutional racism
-
Why police are downing firearms after the Chris Kaba murder chargeThe Explainer Army drafted in after scores of armed Met officers 'revolt' over charging of colleague
-
Met Police clean-up: more than 1,000 officers suspended or on restricted duties'Eye-watering' figures show scale of challenge to restore public trust
