Hidden face of police

THE policeman seen pushing Ian Tomlinson had much of his face concealed by a black material which is issued to riot police.

All officers were issued with flame-proof overalls, padding and Nato helmets, which include flame retardant balaclavas. They carry the same equipment as ordinary police: an extendable baton, handcuffs and CS spray.

All police officers get varying levels of public order training. Those deployed at G20 were a mix of Level 2 and Level 3 trained officers, the most experienced. Level 3 officers are Territorial Support Group members who get specialist riot control training while Level 2 are drawn from boroughs and trained in violent disorder.

The crucial issue that will now have to be determined in any criminal investigation is whether the officer seen pushing Mr Tomlinson to the ground used reasonable force.

Crucially, any decision on possible charges will have to take into account whether there had been any obstructiveness or provocation by Mr Tomlinson before the push.