Top Met PC running Downing Street party probe defended officer tactics at Sarah Everard vigil

The senior police officer leading the investigation into allegations of Downing Street parties that breached lockdown rules was previously involved in police activities at the Sarah Everard vigil.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jane Connors, considered one of the Met's toughest operators, has been put in overall charge of the "partygate" investigation.

She has led the Met's response to a string of controversial issues including stop and search and violence against women, and will now decide whether the Prime Minister and other Whitehall staff broke the law by attending illegal gatherings while the country was in lockdown.

DAC Connors was given responsibility for reassuring women and girls following the kidnap, rape and murder of Sarah Everard.

Police faced heavy criticism for heavy-handed tactics used at the vigil held for Sarah in Clapham last March.

Responding to the outrage at officers seen pinning women to the ground by the Bandstand, DAC Connors defended the police, saying officers had to "take some enforcement action as the evening progressed".

Referring to how the force has operated during Covid, she has said: "We make no apology for our tough stance on shutting down those large gatherings which pose a serious risk to public health."

In March last year DAC Connors said: "I want to be clear, where people have dangerously and blatantly broken the rules, we won't hesitate to take action by issuing fixed penalty notices."

Today a Scotland Yard spokeswoman said: "The Special Enquiry Team will lead investigations. DAC Jane Connors will oversee the investigation in her role as the Met's lead officer for Covid."

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