4 Jan 2011

Charles and Camilla student attack footage released

Police have released CCTV footage of the moment a royal convoy carrying the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall was attacked by protesters in London, in a bid to identify those involved.

The Metropolitan Police released the images in a bid to identify those responsible for the attack which happened in Regent Street in London’s West End.

A crowd who split from student tuition fee protests outside the Houses of Parliament descended on the distinctive Rolls-Royce Phantom VI as it was carrying the couple to the London Palladium for the Royal Variety performance.

The CCTV footage shows the Royal convoy, led by several motorcycle police outriders, slowing down as it is impeded by people in the road.

The camera pans across the vehicles as several people can be seen surrounding the Royal car, kicking and hitting it.

Student protest CCTV released

The footage showed one young woman following the Royal car and hitting the back of it. She was also caught on camera holding a man’s hand and police want to trace him as a witness.

Another man was filmed running alongside the car and a third man grabbed the side of it before appearing to take a photograph.

At least three metal dustbins were also hurled at two other cars in the convoy and the Duchess was poked in the ribs with a stick, possibly part of a placard, through an open window. White paint was thrown over the vehicle.

After the attack, a picture emerged of Camilla and Prince Charles looking shocked as protesters surrounded the car.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson ordered an internal review, the results of which have been presented to the Home Secretary, Theresa May.