Man arrested over PC murder

A man has been arrested in connection with the murder of a police constable in 1985.

Police Constable Keith Blakelock was hacked to death on 6 October 1985 during the Broadwater Farm Riots in Tottenham.

A former Tottenham resident was arrested on Friday and questioned at Bury St Edmunds police station. Police described the arrest as “significant”.

The Metropolitan Police have appealed for information about the murder of 40-year-old Pc Blakelock and the attempted murder of Pc Richard Coombes who was attacked on the same night.

Three men - Winston Silcott, Mark Braithwaite and Engin Raghip – were convicted of Pc Blakelock’s murder in July 1987 but cleared on appeal in 1991.

Mr Blakelock, a father of three, was murdered by a machete-wielding gang whilst trying to protect firefighters during the riot. His colleague, Pc Coombes was also injured.

Five years ago police released images of Mr Blakelock’s blood-stained overalls in a bid to provoke witnesses come forward.

Investigators have repeatedly said people in the area have information about the identity of the killers they have not shared with police.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “Officers from the Metropolitan Police service’s Homicide and Serious Crime Command arrested a 40-year-old man on suspicion of the murder of Pc Keith Blakelock in Suffolk on Friday, February 5.

“The man, originally from Tottenham, was taken to Bury St Edmunds police station where he was questioned. This year marks the 25th Anniversary since Pc Blakelock was murdered during the Broadwater Farm Riots on October 6, 1985.

“Police would like to reassure anyone who has information regarding those involved in the murder of Pc Keith Blakelock or the attempted murder of Pc Richard Coombes, who was also attacked that night, that they can contact the incident room in confidence on 020 8733 4613.”