Criminal investigation into attack on Charles and Camilla

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The couple were heading to a theatre for a charity Royal Variety Performance when their Rolls Royce crossed paths with demonstrators who were protesting against university tuition fees rises.

The attackers surrounded the customised Rolls Royce limousine and broke bottles, smashing a window, and splashed the car with paint.

Tonight Brian Paddick, a former deputy assistant commissioner with the Metropolitan Police told Channel 4 News that he understood that the Prince may have been advised by his protection officers not to attend the event.

“My understanding is that a discussion may have taken place between Prince Charles and the protection officers,” he said. “Advice was given, but perhaps Prince Charles thought you cannot have a Royal Variety Performance without members of the Royal family.

“I have also had it hinted that the route up Regent Street was the only safe approach to the London Palladium because the alternative routes are very narrow streets.”

The Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Paul Stephenson, condemned the attack, saying: “That was a very shocking incident.

“The route was thoroughly recced in advance, including up to several minutes beforehand when the route was still clear.

“The unpredictability of thugs and how they moved about the capital meant the protection officers were placed in a very difficult position.”

He added: “I do think that the officers who were protecting their Royal Highnesses showed very real restraint – some of those officers were armed.

“The unpredictability of thugs and how they moved about the capital meant the protection officers were placed in a very difficult position.” Met Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson

“Their priority was to get that car to the point of safety, which was the venue, and that was achieved, but it was a hugely shocking incident and there will be a full criminal investigation into it.”

New Scotland Yard later announced that the investigation would be co-ordinated by the Specialist Crime Directorate led by a Detective Chief Superintendent.

“It will focus on all of the circumstances behind the violent disorder and look to identify those responsible,” added a spokesman.

“The MPS is very clear that we support the public’s democratic right to peacefully protest. Whilst a large majority of protestors came to demonstrate peacefully, a significant number came intent on violence. This will not be tolerated and anyone identified as being actively involved in criminality at the student protests will be prosecuted.”

Channel 4 News Political Correspondent, Cathy Newman, says she understands that Sir Paul has personally apologised to the Prince of Wales, but is not expected to offer his resignation.

The Prince’s office at Clarence House said the couple were unharmed.

But Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, 63, looked shaken as they arrived at the London Palladium a few minutes after the attack.

Who Knows Who - Sir Paul Stephenson: On the front line.

The Prime Minister has called the attack “unacceptable.”

David Cameron said: “It is shocking and regrettable that the car carrying the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall was caught up and attacked in the violence.”

He said that it was wrong to say that only a small minority were involved in the violence and said the perpetrators should “feel the full force of law”.

“Let’s be very clear where responsibility lies,” he added. “Responsibility for smashing property, for violence, lies with the people that perpetrate that violence and I want to see them arrested and punished in the correct way.”

‘Questions to answer’

David Davis, the former shadow Home Secretary, suggested the Met were to blame for the incident.

He said: “Sir Paul has very serious questions to answer about this operation.

“The police always know where the Prince is for obvious security reasons. So why were professional anarchists and violent agitators allowed to come anywhere near his car?”

The Metropolitan Police Service said that 26 people were arrested following the protests: one for being drunk and disorderly, three for criminal damage, two for arson, 12 for violent disorder, four for assault on police and four for burglary.

The London Student Assembly, which organised yesterday’s demonstration, held a press conference in which they vowed to “escalate” the frequency and size of protests.

“I’d imagine, we’re going to escalate, going to mobilise – more sit-ins and more strikes,” said Simon Hardy from the National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts.

“This movement is growing and can only get bigger.”

He added: “But let us be clear that what we are seeing from the protesters are not acts of violence, they are acts of resistance.”

Meanwhile, it emerged that a student was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery after he was allegedly hit with a police truncheon in the head during last night’s protest.

Alfie Meadows, 20, developed bleeding on his brain when he was hit as he tried leave the ‘kettling’ area outside Westminster Abbey, his mother said.

The Middlesex University student passed out on the way to hospital, where he underwent a three-hour operation.