Streatham stabbings: Terror response PC will not face misconduct case

An armed policeman who crashed while racing to the scene of a terror attack will not face misconduct proceedings, a police watchdog has said.

PC Paul Fisher, 46, was cleared of dangerous driving at Southwark Crown Court last month.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) had brought gross incompetence proceedings against the officer in 2021 but has now withdrawn the case.

Scotland Yard has welcomed the move.

PC Fisher reached speeds of more than 80mph (129km/h) while responding to a stabbing spree in Streatham by Sudesh Amman in February 2020.

His vehicle ran into the back of a taxi before hitting another car and a wall.

Three people escaped with minor injuries in the crash.

The police car did not have its blue lights on at the time because they had accidentally been switched off by one of the occupants, PC Fisher's trial heard.

'Huge relief'

IOPC regional director Mel Palmer said: "We have decided to withdraw this decision, taking into account that under the legislation gross incompetence proceedings must relate to the serious inability or failure of a police officer to perform the duties of their current role.

"We note that PC Fisher is not currently in a role which requires him to undertake urgent driving duties. We have also taken into account the impact of the trial on the officer and his family."

Responding to the IOPC's decision, Cdr Claire Smart it was "great news to receive" and a "huge relief" for the officer.