Police tactics under review after G20 "kettling"

Effigies of bankers were burned and several clashes with police erupted after protesters were sealed in the junction outside Bank station on April 1. Following the clashes, the commissioner revealed he has asked Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Denis O'Connor, to look into possible changes to such tactics.

The police response to the marches from tube stations such as Liverpool Street has also been pushed into the public eye by several videos of officers striking civilians, most notably the incident which preceded the death of Ian Tomlinson. The officer in this case appeared to have removed his identifying epaulette.

He said: "G20 was a complex policing operation managing the movement and protection of many heads of state across the capital while balancing the right to lawful protest and maintaining public order for many thousands of people.

"It is also the case that a number of complaints have been raised in relation to the tactic of containment and as to whether this achieves that balance. I want to be reassured that the use of this tactic remains appropriate and proportionate.

"Separately, I have already expressed my concern that the video footage of some police actions are clearly disturbing and should be thoroughly investigated.

"As well as the post-event investigation into those responsible for violence and disorder, I have also ensured that footage in police possession is reviewed to identify any other matters of individual police conduct that may warrant investigation.

"One matter that I also want to make clear is that uniformed police officers should be identifiable at all times by their shoulder identification numbers. The public has a right to be able to identify any uniformed officer whilst performing their duty. We must ensure this is always the case."