Statement from the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth
“On your behalf, I meet regularly with the Chief Constable to scrutinise and challenge Northumbria Police, especially when service falls short of what is expected by the public.
One such issue I raised recently was the destruction of documents relating to the miners’ strike, including Orgreave.
Understandably, this raised concerns particularly from affected communities – concerns which Northumbria Police needs to address.
At the time, the Chief Constable assured me an investigation to fully understand the actions taken which led to the destruction of the material would be launched. I also sought her reassurance that every step would be taken to identify if any further material exists, either paper or digital, which may assist the public inquiry to establish the full facts as to events at Orgreave in 1984 – her reassurance was given.
Along with the Home Secretary, I have now been informed that this investigation is underway, and Northumbria Police is committed to fully cooperate with any national inquiry into what happened at Orgreave.
I will review the findings of the internal investigation with keen interest.”
