Brixton calls for return of Paddick

An unprecedented campaign has been started at street level in Brixton to have Brian Paddick reinstated as the borough's police commander.

Commander Paddick, 43, was moved from his frontline role as Lambeth's most senior policeman this week following allegations that he smoked cannabis and allowed the drug to be used in his home. But flyposters are going up advertising public meetings in his support - the first today at Romney House, the Marsham Street headquarters of the Greater London Authority.

One features a photograph of Mr Paddick underneath the slogan "Wanted - Fellow Brixtonian". It urges people to phone Scotland Yard and the Met Police "in his defence". Another demands: "Reinstate Paddick".

Both posters are anonymous but the latter advertises a town hall meeting next week organised by the Community Police Consultative Group for Lambeth. Its new chairman Lee Jasper, the Mayor's adviser on policing, this week he described Mr Paddick as "head and shoulders above many other officers".

One of the places where the flyposters appeared was the Dogstar pub in Coldharbour Lane. Neil Kindness, 36, the co-owner, said: "Brian Paddick has managed to pull the community together and gain their trust.

"Prior to Brian Paddick coming to Lambeth you never saw the borough commander on the streets. He'd actually walk up and down the streets. If someone wanted to talk to him, they could."

Poll backs Paddick drugs policy
Reinstate Paddick?