Cops ‘arrested safety volunteers over rape alarm’ in Coronation disruption fears

Police providing security for the coronation of King Charles arrested three night safety volunteers in London in the early hours of this morning (May 6).

The volunteers, who help vulnerable women on nights out, are understood to routinely carry rape alarms as part of their work.

Police detained three people on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance at around 2am after they reportedly became "worried about the potential risk to public safety".

But, the Mirror reports, the two women, aged 37 and 59 who were detained, along with a 47-year-old man were part of Night Safety, the group of volunteers who work with evening businesses in London to help keep people safe.

All three have since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Night Safety promotes women’s safety and aim to reduce violence against women and girls, according to its website.

The scheme is supported by Metropolitan Police themselves, and Westminster City Council, and the latter said tonight that the service is a "familiar and welcome sight in the West End".

A source, who says he was at the police station and spoke to the group, tweeted on Saturday evening: "The Met arrested members of the City of Westminster’s Night Safety team.

"They are volunteers. They were pulled last night at 2am and have been held for 14 hours. One of them came out of the station in tears. Police didn’t apologise."

Metropolitan Police hasn't identified the individuals arrested and has not yet stated whether they are part of a volunteering group.

The force's press statement tonight states they received intelligence that indicated groups and individuals seeking to disrupt today’s Coronation proceedings were planning to use rape alarms to disrupt the procession.

Military colleagues are said to have told police this would scare their horses involved in the procession and, as a result, cause significant risk to the safety of the public and the riders.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said: “The intelligence we received led us to be extremely worried about the potential risk to public safety. We are aware of and understand there is public concern over these arrests. However, the matter is still under investigation.”

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