Met's Stephen Lawrence murder investigation to be reviewed by independent police force

23 April 2024, 07:58

The Met Police has apologised to Stephen Lawrence's mother for breaking a promise to answer questions about her son's murder
The Met Police has apologised to Stephen Lawrence's mother for breaking a promise to answer questions about her son's murder. Picture: Alamy
Kieran Kelly

By Kieran Kelly

An independent police force will review the Metropolitan Police's investigation into the murder of Stephen Lawrence.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

It follows calls by Stephen's mother, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, for the inquiry to be relaunched.

On Monday, the Met Police Commissioner apologised to Stephen's mother for not fulfilling a promise to answer questions stemming from a BBC investigation into his murder.

The broadcaster says Baroness Doreen Lawrence was promised an explanation after the broadcaster last year named Matthew White as the sixth suspect in the case.

Baroness Doreen Lawrence
Baroness Doreen Lawrence. Picture: Alamy

Despite initial correspondence with Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward, no update or explanation has been given.

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has now issued an apology, saying: "On top of the failures over the decades this is totally unacceptable."

Mr Lawrence was murdered by a gang of racists in Eltham, south-east London, in April 1993, as he ran to catch a bus with his friend Duwayne Brooks.

Read More: Met Police issues apology to Stephen Lawrence’s mother for breaking promise

Read More: Man arrested after police officer injured in 'incident' at address

Only two of his killers - Gary Dobson and David Norris - have ever been brought to justice.

The original investigation into his death was hampered by institutional racism in the Metropolitan Police, and claims that corrupt officers had sought to protect Norris, whose father Clifford Norris was a notorious drug dealer.

Last June, the BBC named White, who died aged 50 in 2021, and outlined the bungled handling of the evidence against him.

Two witnesses said White had confessed to being present during the attack, one of whom, his stepfather, was not spoken to by police until 20 years after the murder because officers had previously misidentified him.

The Met said White was arrested twice in connection with the murder, but on both occasions there was not enough evidence for a prosecution.

Baroness Lawrence told the BBC: "(White)'s probably the key one who probably caused Stephen's murder, and (the Met) did nothing about it.

"I'm not sure what they're hiding behind, why they can't come and tell me exactly what they knew then."

Stephen Lawrence was murdered in Eltham, South East London
Stephen Lawrence was murdered in Eltham, South East London. Picture: Alamy

Sir Mark said: "We recognise this is a particularly difficult time for the Lawrence family and Duwayne Brooks. I am sorry our failure to respond in a timely fashion has added to this.

"On top of the failures over the decades this is totally unacceptable.

"Restoring trust in the Met is one of my top priorities and that includes how we work with those affected by the failures of the past.

"I apologise to Baroness Lawrence who must have answers to all her questions. I have written to her and offered to meet."

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan's spokesperson also said he had met with Baroness Lawrence where the mayor reconfirmed his commitment to commemorate and celebrate Stephen's life and legacy.

The spokesperson also said the Mayor believes the Lawrence family and wider community need to know that everything possible is being done to bring justice for Stephen and that any new evidence relating to his murder be properly investigated.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Traders work in their booth on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

UK stock market plunges as FTSE 100 suffers worst trading losses in five years amid Trump tariff chaos

The scene at Beckenham Place Park

London park evacuated as police search for teenage boy who went missing while swimming in lake

Tommy Robinson pictured last year

Tommy Robinson in bid for freedom with appeal against contempt of court jail sentence after libelling teen refugee

Layla Allen died at the scene

'Cherished beyond words': Family pay tribute to 'shining light' 13-year-old killed in Merseyside house fire

Russell Brand

Russell Brand breaks silence after actor and comedian charged with rape and sexual assaults

White House weighs in to support ‘censored’ anti-abortion activists in Britain

White House looking to support ‘censored’ anti-abortion activists in Britain

Sean "Diddy" Combs.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs charged with two further counts of sex trafficking

XL Bully (FILE)

XL Bully on the loose after drive-by shooting in Sheffield as police issue urgent safety warning

Peter Serafinowicz and Sarah Alexander have split.

Amandaland star and comedian Peter Serafinowicz splits from actress wife after 23 years

Russel Brand

Comedian and actor Russell Brand charged with rape and sexual assaults

Prison nurse, 27, suspended over 'fling with drug-dealing killer' in England's worst jail

Prison nurse, 27, suspended over 'fling with drug-dealing killer' in England's worst jail

This image provided by NASA shows Nick Hague, right, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore. (NASA via AP)

Stranded NASA astronauts reveal they were almost trapped in space 'forever' after horror malfunction

Donald Trump demands France 'free Marine Le Pen'

Donald Trump demands France 'free Marine Le Pen' after far-right leader found guilty of embezzlement in 'witch hunt'

At a hearing on Friday, Mr Justice Jay was asked to decide the "natural and ordinary" meaning of the statements ahead of a potential trial.

Chris Eubank Jr brands boxing promoter Frank Warren a 'scumbag' - as judge urges pair to 'mediate' ahead of trial

Tunnocks Tea Cakes cleared for RAF use.

Tunnock's Tea Cakes pass RAF test after being banned for 60 years

Joanne Sharkey pictured outside court

Woman who suffocated her newborn baby and left his body in woods in 1998 avoids prison