A royal superfan was arrested and detained by police for 13 hours only for standing close to a bunch of Just Stop Oil protesters on the King’s coronation.
Alice Chambers, a 36-year-old architect from Australia who lives in London, was handcuffed by cops final Saturday whereas eagerly awaiting to see the King drive previous on his technique to Westminster Abbey to be formally topped.
Speaking to Sky News, she recalled patiently sitting on the bottom amongst different royal revellers on The Mall when she seen a “commotion” earlier than a number of cops stormed over.
“There was a big commotion as several police officers swooped in and started arresting Just Stop Oil protesters before they could begin protesting,” she mentioned.
“Before I could get up, two police officers came over and grabbed me, before taking me away in handcuffs.”
Ms Chambers mentioned she repeatedly tried to elucidate to officers that she was merely an harmless bystander, however was met with silence.
“When I was arrested I repeatedly tried to explain to the police I had no affiliation with the protesters. I provided my personal details, but was still detained for 13 hours.”
Ms Chambers recalled feeling distressed as she was taken into custody at Wandsworth police station the place she spent the remainder of coronation day – not precisely what she had in thoughts for the once-in-a-lifetime occasion.
Police acknowledged ‘misunderstanding’
She mentioned she was stored locked up till round 7pm when she was lastly interviewed by officers, who “quickly realised” that they had made a grave error.
“It was only when I was interviewed hours after being detained that the officers realised I was simply an innocent bystander and subsequently released me with no further action,” she mentioned.
Ms Chambers added the officers had been then very variety in the direction of her and apologetic, telling her it was a “misunderstanding”.
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Following her ordeal, Ms Chambers referred to as for an investigation into police failings on coronation day, regardless of understanding the police “had a lot to deal with” with reference to controlling the crowds.
Addressing the error, a Metropolitan Police spokesman informed Sky News: “We are aware that a woman was arrested in relation to a protest on 6 May 2023.
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“The arresting officer was from Lincolnshire Police and the criticism has due to this fact been handed to the related drive to research.
“The Met will assist by providing any relevant information they require.”
Source: information.sky.com”