Met Police closes investigation into murder of Stephen Lawrence: Scotland Yard chief Cressida Dick says they have failed to secure further convictions for racist killing of black teenager as probe moves to ‘inactive phase’
- Stephen Lawrence was murdered by a group of racists in London in April 1993
- Five men were named by the Daily Mail as killers of 18-year-old in February 1997
- But it was not until January 2012 that two of the group were convicted of murder
- Public inquiry over probe branded the Metropolitan Police institutionally racist
Stephen Lawrence, 18, was killed in a racially-motivated attack while waiting for a bus in Eltham, South East London, in April 1993
Police today revealed they had closed their investigation into the murder of Stephen Lawrence 27 years after he was killed in a racially-motivated attack.
The 18-year-old was murdered by a group of racists while waiting for a bus in Eltham, South East London, in April 1993.
Five men were named by the Daily Mail as his killers in February 1997, but it was not until January 2012 that two of the group were convicted of murder.
Gary Dobson and David Norris were jailed for life at the Old Bailey after a trial that hinged on tiny traces of forensic evidence found years after the crime.
Two of the three remaining suspects, brothers Neil and Jamie Acourt, have since served jail time for drug dealing, while Luke Knight has remained free.
The original investigation failed to convict those responsible, and the campaign for justice by Stephen’s parents Baroness Lawrence and her former husband Neville led to a public inquiry which branded the Metropolitan Police institutionally racist.
When the force announced two years ago that it was mothballing the investigation and it was unlikely to progress without new information, Doreen Lawrence said she wanted the probe closed.
Gary Dobson (left) and David Norris (right) were jailed for life at the Old Bailey in January 2012 after a trial that hinged on tiny traces of forensic evidence found years after the crime
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick (file picture) said she is ‘sad that we have been unable to secure further convictions for Stephen, his family and friends’
However, Neville Lawrence said he hoped the family could get ‘total justice’ and that he would never give up.
Today, Scotland Yard Commissioner Cressida Dick said: ‘This was an appalling racist murder and I am sad that we have been unable to secure further convictions for Stephen, his family and friends.
‘I, and the senior investigator in charge of the case, Chris Le Pere, have met with Baroness Lawrence and Mr Lawrence and fully explained the work the team have been doing, and why we are now at this stage.
‘The investigation has now moved to an ‘inactive’ phase, but I have given Stephen’s family the assurance that we will continue to deal with any new information that comes to light.
‘The investigation into Stephen’s murder will also be periodically reviewed for any further investigative opportunities which may arise, for example with advances in technology.’
She added that the force has told Duwayne Brooks, who was with Stephen on the night he was killed, about their decision.
Commissioner Dick continued: ‘We were able to secure two convictions following a determined investigation in 2012 but it is well known that other suspects were also involved in the events which unfolded that night and it is deeply frustrating that we have been unable to bring them to justice.
‘As a result of ceaseless campaigning for justice by Stephen’s parents, profound changes have happened in policing, the law and wider society.
‘I pay tribute to them for their courage and achievements. And today my thoughts are with them and all Stephen’s loved ones.’