Family's anger as policeman escapes trial over G20 death

• Ian Tomlinson's widow Julia Tomlinson, left, and stepson Paul King after yesterday's announcement. Picture: PA

Pc Simon Harwood was told he would not be charged with any offence after he was caught on camera striking the 47-year-old with his baton and pushing him to the ground on 1 April last year.

Director of Public Prosecutions Keir Starmer said there was "no realistic prospect" of a conviction after a 15-month inquiry because of "irreconcilable" differences between medical experts.

Mr Starmer said Mr Tomlinson was assaulted by the police officer as he posed no threat to him or other officers as he walked away from a police line with his hands in his pockets.

But he added that alternative charges of assault or misconduct could not be brought because of conflicting medical evidence as well as legal time limits and case law.

Reacting with fury, Mr Tomlinson's family accused the authorities of a "big cover-up" and pledged to seek a review as campaigners said there was a "culture of impunity" for police who broke the law.

Fighting back tears outside Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) headquarters, Mr Tomlinson's stepson Paul King said: "It's outrageous. We feel like it was not a full investigation from the beginning. It's a big cover-up.

"He has just admitted on TV that a copper assaulted our dad. But he hasn't done anything. He's the man in charge... why hasn't he charged him?

"They knew that if they dragged this out long enough, they would avoid charges. They knew just what they were doing.

"They've pulled us through a hedge backwards - now we have to go on living our lives."

The Tomlinson family's solicitor, Jules Carey, labelled the decision "disgraceful" and said an inquiry must examine if it was due to a "lack of will or incompetence".

He said: "Clearly, it is a disgraceful decision. The CPS have accepted the conduct of the officer was unlawful."

Asked what she would do now, Mr Tomlinson's widow Julia said: "What do you expect us to do? What can we do?"

The death of Mr Tomlinson became global news after video evidence emerged that challenged the original official version of events. Police told the newspaper seller's widow and nine children that he died of a heart attack after being caught up in crowded streets around the protests.

But footage later showed Mr Tomlinson being struck from behind by a member of the Metropolitan Police's controversial territorial support group.

Mr Tomlinson was hit by a baton and shoved to the ground by an officer wearing protective clothing. He was also bitten by a police dog.

He died several minutes later after staggering about 100 yards into Cornhill, near St Michael's Alley, and collapsing.

Mr Harwood could still be sacked or disciplined by the force after senior officers examine a file of evidence from the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Questions have already been raised over his conduct after it emerged he has been questioned before about using unnecessary force during a road rage incident while off-duty.

Prosecutors could also reconsider whether to bring charges after an inquest examines the circumstances of Mr Tomlinson's death.

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