Police mob-handed in Cherie 'slap' inquiry

Published on Sunday 17 September 2006 00:58

THE PRIME minister's wife, Cherie Blair, has been investigated by police in Scotland following claims that she motioned to slap a 17-year-old boy.

Strathclyde police took statements from witnesses to the incident at a national school sports event in Glasgow last weekend.

The Prime Minister's wife appeared to touch the back of Miles Gandolfi in a playful gesture after he made a "rabbit ears" gesture behind her head.

Downing Street said last night that no action was expected against Blair, who is also a Crown Court judge. "Strathclyde police undertook an investigation, including taking statements from a number of people who were present," Downing Street said. "These included the 17-year-old boy involved."

Six detectives were sent to investigate after officials from the Child Protection in Sport Unit complained to police.

Miles' astonished mother, Catherine, said: "It just seems totally bizarre and we couldn't believe it when the police got involved.

I don't think they really wanted to be there, but if someone makes a complaint they have to investigate it."