'Lessons learned' from royal car attack

POLICE need to look beyond the available intelligence and take a broader view of potential threats, a report into the attack on a car carrying the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall has found.

Home Secretary Theresa May said important lessons have been learned from the mob attack on the royal car in central London on 9 December.

"The most significant area of learning from the incident is the need to look beyond the available intelligence to take a broader view of threats that can reasonably be anticipated in the circumstances, and to adapt plans accordingly," Mrs May said.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson ordered an internal review into the incident, which was presented to Mrs May last month.

In a written statement to MPs yesterday, she said the details of its findings could not be released for security reasons, but added: "While important lessons have been learned from this shocking incident, the findings and recommendations must be seen in the context of the provision of protection for the Royal Family that has an enviable record over many years. Such protection has to take into account the Royal Family's desire to be seen by, and to be close to, the public."

Police this month released footage showing the moment a mob descended on the royal car.

Senior officers hope the images will help identify those responsible for the attack in Regent Street.

A crowd of thugs who split from student tuition fee protests outside the Houses of Parliament descended on the Rolls-Royce Phantom VI.

Camilla was poked in the ribs with a stick, possibly part of a placard, through an open window and white paint was thrown over the vehicle.