Police ask watchdog to probe Orgreave

Published on 17/11/2012 00:00

THE police force under scrutiny for its role in the Hillsborough disaster has referred itself to the official watchdog over its part in the 1984 miners’ strike.

South Yorkshire Police referred itself to the Independent Police Complaints Commission after reports about its handling of picketing miners at Orgreave coking plant in Rotherham. A BBC documentary last month featured allegations some police involved in prosecutions, following violent clashes at the plant, colluded when they wrote their statements.

A spokesman said: “We anticipate that, due to these matters being nearly 30 years old, the IPCC may take some time to consider fully whether any investigation is required.” More than 90 people were arrested at Orgreave.

Those charged with riot were later cleared when police evidence was challenged in court.