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

Keiron Charles

Two teenage boys charged with murder after 17-year-old boy stabbed to death in west London

John's loveable character Charlie kicked off a whirlwind romance with Rovers Return landlady Bet Gilroy (played by Julie Goodyear)

Coronation Street star's sudden death at 72 - as family pay tribute to 'gentleman' actor

LBC News launches new weekday schedule with new presenter line-up

LBC News launches new weekday schedule with new presenter line-up

Heidi Alexander has said that smoking crack cocaine on the Tube is 'unacceptable'

'Smoking crack cocaine on the Tube is unacceptable', Transport Secretary says as shocking images surface

David Beckham & LA Galaxy Visits Shanghai

David Beckham's former bodyguard Craig Ainsworth found dead in Spain following hunt for war veteran

The FTSE tumbled on Monday morning

FTSE drops again on opening after Trump refuses to back down on tariffs, with global markets in turmoil

Exclusive
Google search for UK jobs.

Job postings down nearly a quarter amid fears over Employer National Insurance rise

A construction worker in the new Silvertown Tunnel in east London. The first new road crossing east of London's Tower Bridge in 33 years opens on Monday.

Long-awaited Silvertown Tunnel opens to drivers in London

Exclusive
Starmer To Abolish NHS England In Bid To Reform National Health Service

Patients suffering in the back of ambulance soars under Labour - with 1,000 per week are put in potentially serious harm

National Gallery to let one person sleep overnight in ‘first’ as section reopens

National Gallery to allow individual sleepovers marking historic ‘first’ ahead of 200th anniversary

File photo dated 15/08/14

NHS staff harassed by members of public filming them with phones and threatening to post footage online

Prime Minister Keir Starmer Hosts Mia Mottley, Prime Minister Of Barbados

Starmer to relax rules over electric car sales as government pledges 'bold action' in wake of Trump tariffs

A police cordon in Elm Street, South Moor, Stanley, County Durham

Two arrests made after man in 50s shot dead in broad daylight in County Durham

Craig Revel Horwood

Craig Revel Horwood takes aim at fellow Strictly Come Dancing judges

Molly-Mae shared a sweet family snap of Tommy Fury and daughter Bambi

Is Molly-Mae back with Tommy Fury? Fans go wild over family photo fuelling reunion rumours

b

Mum of murdered teen Brianna Ghey considers mother of daughter's killer 'a friend' in amazing show of compassion