14/09/2007 - Armed Robbery in Chandler's Ford

MP's Comments Let Her Down

The Conservative candidate set to challenge Sandra Gidley at the next General Election has reacted with disappointment to the MPs statements issued after the foiled armed robbery in Chandler's Ford yesterday.

Caroline Nokes, who cut Mrs Gidley's majority to just 125 votes at the last election said:

"Of course there is to be an independent investigation by the Police Complaints Commission, as happens whenever a Police firearm is discharged.  But Mrs Gidley's comments at this time appear entirely inappropriate and ill thought out."Firearms Officers, from both Hampshire Constabulary and The Metropolitan Police put their lives on the line, for us.  To suggest that this raid was in some way bungled, as the headlines Mrs Gidley has garnered have suggested, is crass and insensitive.  Her enthusiasm to comment, prior to the full facts being revealed, is wholly inappropriate.

"At this time our thoughts should be with the injured security guard and his family, with the Police Officers who were involved, and who day in day out do their utmost to protect the public, the bank staff and the other witnesses to this dreadful event.

"Sandra Gidley has appeared in the media calling for an "open inquiry", questioning whether the Hampshire Constabulary and Metropolitan Police were used to working with each other, and has not (to date) been reported as having paid tribute to the Police Officers who put their lives on the line." 

Chief Constable responds to Sandra Gidley MP

Press Releases

Published: 14/09/2007

The Chief Constable of Hampshire Constabulary Paul Kernaghan issued the following statement today, Friday, September 14:

“My attention has been drawn to a press statement issued by Mrs Sandra Gidley MP.

“The incident which took place at Chandlers Ford HSBC Bank yesterday morning is the subject of a full investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission [IPCC], the body mandated by Parliament to investigate such matters.

“Hampshire Constabulary is restricted in what it can say at this stage to ensure that we do not undermine the independent investigation. I know the IPCC will make their findings public in due course.

“I deprecate comments by anyone not in possession of all the facts, particularly those which refer to the police operation in pejorative terms.

“I suggest that everyone puts their trust in the IPCC and awaits that body's objective adjudication. I will gladly meet with Mrs Gidley at that stage and discuss with her the realities of professional police work and the challenges officers face in protecting society.”