Met chief says Zack Polanski undermined police with Golders Green post
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley criticized Green Party leader Zack Polanski for sharing a social media post that questioned police conduct during the arrest of a suspect in the Golders Green stabbings. Rowley defended the officers' actions as necessary and courageous, emphasizing the need for public support in high-risk situations. Polanski did not add commentary to the post but faced backlash for amplifying unverified claims.
- ▪Two Jewish people were stabbed in Golders Green, north-west London, prompting a police response to detain the suspect.
- ▪Zack Polanski retweeted a post alleging police used excessive force on the suspect, who had been subdued with a stun gun.
- ▪Mark Rowley called the claims inaccurate and defended the officers, stating they acted heroically in a potentially life-threatening situation.
- ▪Rowley requested 300 additional officers to permanently protect Jewish communities in London.
- ▪Victims minister Alex Davies-Jones acknowledged rising antisemitism in the UK and supported calls for increased resources.
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The Green party leader, Zack Polanski, in Newcastle city centre this week. Photograph: Tom Wilkinson/PAView image in fullscreenThe Green party leader, Zack Polanski, in Newcastle city centre this week. Photograph: Tom Wilkinson/PAUK newsMet police chief criticises Green party leader over post on Golders Green attackMark Rowley says Zack Polanski’s comments risk undermining officers confronting ‘dangerous’ suspectsJamie GriersonFri 1 May 2026 03.45 EDTLast modified on Fri 1 May 2026 03.57 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe Green party leader, Zack Polanski, thoughtlessly undermined the confidence of officers to deal with dangerous people by sharing a critical social media post after the Golders Green stabbings, according to the head of the Metropolitan police.Officers were filmed…
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