Two unmarked police cars clamped as surveillance officers sat INSIDE... who then arrested the clamper for obstruction
Last updated at 7:06 PM on 27th May 2011
Police officers assigned the task of protecting the Queen during a Royal visit could be forgiven for focusing all their attention on their VIP guest.
But undercover security officers in Portsmouth should have perhaps been more aware of their immediate surroundings after two of their unmarked cars were clamped - with the officers still inside.
The incident happened after the Queen made an impromptu visit to the Hampshire port on Wednesday for a private lunch aboard a luxury yacht.
Oblivious: The Queen during her unannounced visit to Portsmouth where she had lunch with Sir Donald Gosling on his yacht the Leander
The officers were sat in their unmarked cars parked at the Gunwharf Quays marina retail complex - and were too slow to react when the clamper struck.
The clamper, Gareth Andrews, 37, from Fareham, was then arrested by the officers and charged with wilfully obstructing a police constable in the execution of his duty.
He was also charged with contravening the Private Security Industry Act by not displaying the appropriate licensing badge.
A Hampshire police spokesman said: 'The arrest followed an incident in which Mr Andrews clamped two unmarked police vehicles, preventing the officers - who were at Gunwharf as part of a security operation - from conducting their duties.
'The officers had not left the vehicles at the time they were clamped.'
Shoppers at Gunwharf Quays were taken by surprise when word spread that the Queen had arrived at the centre, and a small crowd gathered to greet her.
Out of action: The two unmarked police vehicles were clamped while officers sat behind the wheel (File photo)
It is understood the Queen had arranged to have lunch with NCP car park boss Sir Donald Gosling on board his yacht, Leander.
She arrived in Southsea by helicopter and was taken by a green Range Rover to Gunwharf Quays.
Wearing a pink coat and headscarf, the Queen waved to the crowds before boarding the 245ft yacht.
A spokeswoman for Buckingham Palace said that she could not confirm details of the visit as it was a private engagement.
Andrews will appear at South East Hampshire Magistrates' Court next Friday.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1391594/Two-police-cars-clamped-surveillance-officers-sat-INSIDE-clamper-arrested-obstruction.html#ixzz1Na7Map6M
No comments:
Post a Comment