In a shocking incident in Hackney, east London, a 13-year-old boy found himself surrounded by armed police after a water pistol was mistaken for a real firearm. The boy, identified as Child X, was enjoying a water fight with his younger sibling on July 19 when a patrolling officer reported a potential firearms incident.
The Alliance for Police Accountability (APA) strongly condemned the treatment of the young boy, asserting that the water pistol was unmistakably a toy. Two water guns, one blue and white, and the other pink and white, were used in the harmless water battle.
The situation escalated rapidly as armed units from both the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police descended upon the scene. According to the APA, the response was excessive and led to distressing consequences for Child X. The police van rammed the boy off his bicycle, and he was handcuffed as marksmen pointed their firearms at him, arresting him on suspicion of possessing a firearm.
Child X’s mother arrived at the scene and challenged the officers, leading to the de-arrest of her son. However, the mother herself faced contempt from the officers when seeking an explanation for their actions.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, in charge of policing for Hackney and Tower Hamlets, issued an apology to the family, acknowledging the distress caused. He emphasised the need for the public to understand the police’s response in fast-moving situations involving potential firearms.
The Metropolitan Police conducted an internal investigation, finding no misconduct by the involved officers. A separate complaint alleging racial bias is still under investigation by the force’s standards department. The Independent Office for Police Conduct allowed the Met to conduct both inquiries.
Conway stated, “Our officers are dealing with fast-moving situations, based on the limited information provided to them at the time. Such is the nature of the threat from firearms that the College of Policing is clear that officers should treat all firearms as real and loaded until proven otherwise.”
Child X’s family, having seen body-worn video footage, met with Conway, who expressed his apologies again, stating, “I am sorry for the trauma caused to the child, and I am happy to meet with the family again if they feel that would help.”
As the incident raises questions about police response protocols, the APA plans to address the public during a press conference on Thursday, including a statement from Child X’s mother.
