13 May 2023 , 07:04
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The Metropolitan Police has expressed regret over the arrest of a royal fan who was locked up for 13 hours after standing too close to protesters on Coronation Day.
Alice Chambers, 36, travelled to the Mall last weekend in the hopes of getting a perfect spot to watch the historic event unfold and catch a glimpse of the King.
But the Australian native, who lives in London, had her plans destroyed when she was arrested near Just Stop Oil protesters.
Alice said the group of environmental activists hadn't yet started the demo, but police proceeded to storm the crowd and make arrests at around 9am on May 6.
She was released that evening without charge.
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Officers said they understood public concern about the arrest, and that an investigation into the eco-protesters is ongoing.
Alice (circled) was arrested while standing near Just Stop Oil protesters (Sky News)The force added: "Unfortunately, the woman was among those arrested. She was released subsequently with no further action.
"Officers involved in the safety and security operation acted on information available to them.
"The officer who made the arrest was on mutual aid from Lincolnshire Police, which is why we remain in close contact with Lincolnshire Police regarding a complaint.
"We regret that she was not able to watch the Coronation.
"Officers have spoken with her to explain our decisions and the next steps."
She was finally released at 10pm, and missed the whole of the Coronation (PA)Alice claimed she was questioned, physically searched, locked in a cell and had her mugshot, fingerprints and DNA taken in a 13-hour ordeal.
An officer reportedly told her she was being arrested on "potential to cause a breach of the peace".
Alice said no questions were asked, telling iNews: "I feel like once I was in the system they didn't listen. I tried to explain that I wasn't part of the group."
When she was eventually interviewed by two senior officers at 7pm at Wandsworth police station, they eventually let her go after discovering she was a huge fan of the royals.
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Alice said she was finally released at around 10pm after breaking down in tears - traumatised and disappointed at missing the whole Coronation.
Alice claimed she was questioned, physically searched and locked in a cell (PA)She confirmed that a complaint had been made to the force and the police watchdog.
Alice said: "I understand why the police were on the edge, they did have a tough job that day, but they need to have better processes and better training in place because innocent people shouldn't be getting locked up for that long."
It comes after the force also expressed "regrets" over six arrests made in relation to anti-monarchy group Republic ahead of the Coronation.
A chief inspector and two other officers personally apologised to Republic chief executive Graham Smith, he claims, over what he called a "disgraceful episode".
A force spokesperson said: "We regret that those six people arrested were unable to join the wider group of protesters in Trafalgar Square and elsewhere on the procession route."
But the Met Police Commissioner has defended the force's policing operation during the Coronation, saying there would be "much more serious questions to answer" if not for their actions.
Anti-monarchists staging a protest in Trafalgar Square on Coronation Day (Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/REX/Shutterstock)In a public letter written to London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Sir Mark Rowley said he did not see the Coronation as an operation where he needed to "call out our shortcomings", adding: "No major operation is ever perfect".
Sir Mark also highlighted the force's concerns over the "rapidly developing intelligence" which suggested the potential for paint to be thrown at the procession, damage being done to historic monuments and the use of high sound devices which could have panicked horses.
The Commissioner said: "Had our officers not acted on reasonable grounds, based on the evidence in front of them in the moment and the potential risk to the event, there would now be much more serious questions to answer about the event.
"Protest was not banned. While we said that our tolerance for disruption of the coronation celebrations was low, it was not zero.
"There were hundreds of undisturbed protesters along the route including a large number of 'Not My King' supporters in Trafalgar Square.
"Serious and reliable intelligence told us that the risks were very real."
Sir Mark said that of the 62 arrests made during the Coronation celebrations, 53 suspects had been bailed - with most of the investigations likely to be "lengthy".