British police officers have effectively been told by the Director of Public Prosecutions that they have complete freedom to assault anyone who takes their fancy when they are attending demonstrations. That is the only conclusion that can be taken from the DPP’s decision to take no action against PC Simon Harwood who was caught on video hitting Ian Tomlinson.

We can only guess at how outraged and distressed his family must be now that the state has decided to take no further action. There is however the possibility of a civil action against the valiant Harwood and the family have launched a fighting fund. Any reader who feels that cops should be held accountable for acts of violence against people posing no threat to them is strongly encouraged to donate a few quid.

They say on their site:

“we are launching a Campaign Fighting Fund. There is still long road ahead in the fight for justice and the Fund will help the Tomlinson family to make decisions about the direction of the campaign without always having to worry about the financial costs, especially when the emotional ones are tough enough already.

Donations by PayPal won’t be up and running until next week, so check back then. But if you personally or your organisation (union branch, community or campaign group, for instance) can help by making a donation, please make cheques payable to ‘Ian Tomlinson Family Campaign’ and send to:

Ian Tomlinson Family Campaign
c/o Newham Monitoring Project
170 Harold Rd
London E13 0SE