CHESHIRE'S police commissioner is being asked to look into an ‘unacceptable security lapse’ which enabled protesters to disrupt the Duke and Duchess of Westminster’s wedding, which was attended by Prince William.
Just Stop Oil protesters sprayed orange powder from a fire extinguisher, stopping the wedding party as they left Chester Cathedral last month.
On Friday, new police and crime commissioner Dan Price will be asked to explain how this could have happened.
Cheshire PCC Dan Price (Image: Cheshire PCC office)
In a written question already submitted to the commissioner, the county’s police and crime panel will ask: “Can the commissioner tell the panel if an investigation has been undertaken into this lapse in security which led to the offence where protesters managed to expel two fire extinguishers in St Werburgh Street, filled with an unknown orange powder into the atmosphere, whilst the Duke and Duchess and Prince William were exiting the cathedral.
“Has there been an acceptance that this situation was an unacceptable security lapse which could have resulted in a much worse and more dangerous outcome for the police officers who bravely responded to the incident, the wedding guests and to the wider public who were in the vicinity?”
The panel also wants to know the full cost to Cheshire Police of policing the event, which was also supported by neighbouring forces.
On Friday members will also ask: “Given the continued very challenging fiscal situation faced by Cheshire Police, the panel would also like to know if the Grosvenor family were approached and asked to make a contribution to the cost in order to reduce the burden to the Cheshire community?”
The Cheshire Police and Crime Panel meeting takes place at 10am on Friday, July 19 at Crewe Municipal Buildings.
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