WPC Yvonne Fletcher murder case stalls over national security concerns

A suspect in the murder of police officer Yvonne Fletcher outside the Libyan embassy in London will not be prosecuted because important evidence is being withheld on national security grounds.

Police said they were unable to charge the man without being able to present the "key material" in court.

WPC Fletcher died after being shot in the back while she was policing a demonstration against the then-Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 1984.

The shot was fired from the embassy in St James’s Square.

The suspect was held in November 2015 in southeast England in what police described as a "significant turning point"
in the inquiry.

The Metropolitan Police said: "We believe our investigation has identified enough material to identify those responsible for WPC Fletcher’s murder if it could be presented to a court.

"However the key material has not been made available for use in court in evidential form for reasons of national security.

"Therefore, without this material and following a review of all the evidence that was available to prosecutors, the Crown Prosecution Service – who we worked closely with throughout – have informed us that there is insufficient admissible evidence to charge the man."

It added: "Our judgment is that this concludes what was by far the best opportunity to solve this tragic case and provide a degree of closure for the victims and their families.

"This investigation will never be closed but the likelihood of finding further evidence, in Libya or elsewhere, is low."

A statement from WPC Fletcher’s family said: "We understand that some available evidence could not be used in court but are satisfied that the Metropolitan Police has left no stone unturned in its pursuit of justice in Yvonne’s case.

"The family would like to thank the Met for its continued hard work and diligence and also for always keeping us informed at every turn.

"We are deeply disappointed and frustrated that a prosecution cannot proceed at this time.

"We had hoped that the latest turn of events would finally lead to some closure for the family."

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said: "Her murder remains as shocking and senseless as the day it occurred and I understand that the decision will be deeply disappointing and frustrating for all her family, friends and colleagues."

The shooting was followed by a 10-day siege of the building before 30 of those inside were deported back to Libya.

Details of the identity of the man who has been released have not been made public.

(c) Sky News 2017: WPC Yvonne Fletcher murder case stalls over national security concerns