Police who took kebab break before arena bomb disciplined

The IOPC investigation found PC Bullough and PCSO Renshaw should be disciplined for the “timing and length of their refreshment breaks”, as well as failing to follow instructions from a senior officer.

A misconduct meeting found the case proven against both individuals and they were given final written warnings which will remain in force for two years.

The police watchdog said BTP had accepted it should apologise to the families of the victims for the shortcomings in policing on the night.

It said it had found “no persuasive evidence” to suggest longer breaks had been taken at other events at the arena and the evidence “showed BTP officers were given clear instructions about the lengths of refreshment breaks”.

IOPC regional director Mel Palmer said while nothing could “bring back the lives lost or make up for the pain and suffering experienced by the bereaved”, it was important that police actions were “thoroughly scrutinised”, mistakes “acknowledged” and lessons “learned”.

“That is why we have carefully reviewed the steps taken by BTP to address the areas for improvement identified in the inquiry report, and also recommended that the force apologises to the complainants,” she said.

“This investigation has also ensured the two individuals whose actions fell below the standards expected by the public, and who ignored instructions from a senior officer, have now been held accountable.”

The IOPC said another BTP officer who was the subject of the complaint had retired before the investigation began, but the “evidence indicated there would have been no case to answer for either misconduct or gross misconduct had they still been serving”.

A provisional decision has been made in relation to another PSCO and will be finalised at a later date.