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Team GB sprinter Bianca Williams accuses police of ‘racial profiling’ after traffic stop

Written by on 06/07/2020

A Team GB sprinter has accused police of “racial profiling” after she and her partner were stopped and searched in London.

Commonwealth gold medallist Bianca Williams had been with her partner Ricardo in Maida Vale on Saturday when they were stopped.

She told The Times: “It’s always the same thing with Ricardo.

“They think he’s driving a stolen vehicle, or he’s been smoking cannabis.”

She added: “It’s racial profiling.

“The way they spoke to Ricardo – like he was scum, dirt on their shoe – was shocking. It was awful to watch.”

Footage of the incident was posted by former Olympic gold medallist Linford Christie, appearing to show two people – although their faces were not seen – being pulled out of a car in a London street.

The woman sounds frustrated as she tells officers “he didn’t do anything” but she grows increasingly distressed about her son remaining in the car.

Christie posted a statement that said: “Was it the car that was suspicious or the black family in it which lead (sic) to such a violent confrontation and finally an accusation of the car smelling of weed but refusing to do a roadside drug test?”

The Metropolitan Police said a car had been stopped in the area on Saturday afternoon after it was seen driving suspiciously.

A man, 25, and woman, 26, were searched.

Commander Helen Harper said: “I understand the concern when incidents like this happen and how they can appear when part of it is filmed without context.

“Due to the concern raised, we conducted a review of the stop. This included social media footage and bodyworn camera footage of the officers at the scene.

“We are satisfied that there are no misconduct issues.”

A statement for the Independent Office for Police Conduct said: “We are aware of this matter and will be making further enquiries with the Metropolitan Police. We will then be in a position to make an informed decision on the level of our involvement.”

(c) Sky News 2020: Team GB sprinter Bianca Williams accuses police of ‘racial profiling’ after traffic stop