London police officer appears to intimidate Al Jazeera journalists in public

Metropolitan Police Investigates Incident Involving Off-Duty Officer and Journalists

The Metropolitan Police has confirmed that an off-duty serving Met special constable was involved in an incident where a group of North London residents surrounded and verbally intimidated Al Jazeera journalists reporting on a suspected arson attack. The force is reviewing footage of the incident, which took place in the Golders Green neighbourhood of North London on Monday.

According to a statement issued by the Metropolitan Police, the matter has been referred to the Department of Professional Standards for assessment. Four volunteer ambulances operated by a local Jewish charity were set on fire in the area early on Monday, leading to the arrest of two men in their 40s on Wednesday.

Video footage circulating online shows a group of men, including several wearing Jewish yarmulkes, shouting at Al Jazeera journalists and telling them to leave the area. One individual, identified as a Metropolitan Police officer by local news outlet Declassified UK, can be seen speaking to an Al Jazeera crew member in Arabic.

The Metropolitan Police has stated that freedom of the press is important and that journalists must be able to do their job without being subject to intimidation or harassment. The force has asked officers on duty in the area to be alert for similar incidents in the coming days.

Source: Al Jazeera