Police publish report into death of Blair Peach in 1979

A police officer is likely to have "struck the fatal blow" which killed a protester in west London 31 years ago, a Scotland Yard report reveals.

Anti-racism activist Blair Peach died after he was hit during clashes with police officers in Southall in 1979.

The previously secret report attaches "grave suspicion" to a policeman only identified as "Officer E".

Mr Peach's family have long campaigned for the report - written by Commander John Cass - to be released.

Mr Peach, a 33-year-old teacher from New Zealand, was taking part in a demonstration against the National Front.

The protest led to clashes with the police and he was later found with fatal head injuries.

A police radio or truncheon is thought to have delivered the fatal blow.

The Cass report does not name any of the implicated officers, but said six were on board a van belonging to the now disbanded Special Patrol Group identified as carrier U11.

It said there was insufficient evidence to charge anyone over the death but recommended action for perverting the course of justice for three officers, including "Officer E".

The 1979 report said: "Whilst it can reasonably be concluded that a police officer struck the fatal blow, and that that officer came from carrier U.11, I am sure that it will be agreed that the present situation is far from satisfactory and disturbing."

It went on: "The attitude and untruthfulness of some of the officers involved is a contributory factor.

"It is understandable that because of the events of the day officers were confused, or made mistakes, but one would expect better recall of events by trained police officers.

"However, there are cases where the evidence shows that certain officers have clearly not told the truth."

Last year, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson said the report should be published after being reviewed by lawyers.

The Crown Prosecution Service completed that review and advised Scotland Yard that charges could only be brought if there was sufficient new evidence, such as a confession.