London’s Metropolitan Police immediately confirmed they have been investigating occasions on eight of the 12 dates when events have been reported – though, since there have been a number of events on some dates, they’re investigating a complete of 12 events.
The power mentioned in a statement that it obtained paperwork from the Cupboard Workplace on Friday and was now reviewing them “at tempo” to verify which people wanted to be contacted for his or her account.
“This prioritisation will embody reviewing all the fabric from the Cupboard Workplace, which incorporates greater than 300 photographs and over 500 pages of data,” the power mentioned.
The power mentioned that it will usually problem a fixed-penalty discover in circumstances the place it believed Covid laws had been breached “and not using a affordable excuse”.
“As soon as the penalty is paid, the matter is taken into account closed,” it mentioned. “Alternatively, people might resolve to dispute the discover. In these circumstances officers will contemplate whether or not to pursue the matter in a magistrates’ courtroom.”
The assertion acknowledged that the power’s motion would “divide opinion”.
But it surely went on: “Law enforcement officials should, based mostly on the data obtainable to them, make rigorously thought of, troublesome selections, even when to take action is contentious.”
The power gave no timetable for the conclusion of its probe however mentioned it will be pursuing the investigation “at tempo”.
Commander Catherine Roper, the senior Metropolitan Police officer in command of the investigation, informed ITV Information her officers have been prioritising this week contemplating the proof they obtained on Friday from the Cupboard Workplace, what additional investigations have been wanted and whom they wanted to contact.
Requested concerning the investigation’s timing and whether or not it will take weeks, months or a 12 months, she mentioned: “Completely no more than a 12 months.”
Roper continued: “It’s somewhat bit troublesome to reply that query due to course we’re nonetheless going by way of the fabric. That mentioned, we’re seeking to fast-track it and we’re seeking to contact [further people] in a matter of weeks.”
This put up has been up to date to incorporate feedback from the Metropolitan Police