Leicester Square sex assault suspect 'marched to police station' after police 'unavailable to make arrest'

THE Met Police's pledge to start 24/7 patrols of Leicester Square and Soho has been called into question after officers were unable to attend an alleged sexual assault on a woman for an hour and a half.

The suspect was only arrested after private security officers from My Local Bobby (MLB), who had detained him and requested police attendance, marched him to a police station.

The incident also raises questions about the Met's commitment to combatting violence and sex abuse against women and girls.

MLB CEO Dave McKelvey posted about the incident in the early hours of today on Linkedin.

He said: "While dealing with an unrelated incident, an urgent call came in from a local member of our business community, three women screaming for help.

"Within moments, your Bobbies were on scene.

"The victims reported that a male had sexually assaulted one of them, groping her from behind before laughing and fleeing. No hesitation. No delay. The late team, yet to even start their shift, were deployed immediately.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/c67a83_98ac0c0ec80e41a088e69ebb47b67525/480p/mp4/file.mp4

"The suspect was located heading towards Shaftesbury Avenue and detained on Rupert Street after a brief struggle.

"The victims were brought safely to the location and made a positive identification.

"From that point on, the priority was clear: protect the victims and secure justice. The suspect was kept separate at all times. The victims were safeguarded and supported. Police were called immediately

"And then nothing. Thirty minutes passed. Then an hour. Then 90 minutes.

"No officers available. No ETA due to lack of resources. This is the reality on the ground.

"With no alternative, your Bobbies took control, escorting the suspect to a police station themselves. Only after a further hour's delay were officers available to make the arrest.

"Let’s be clear. This was a sexual assault in a busy Central London location, with victims needing immediate reassurance and protection."

MLB is privately funded by businesses in the area and carries out 24/7 foot patrols. There have been repeated instances where its officers have detained people and police have not arrived or have then let suspects go.

On many occasions police do attend and arrest suspects.

Earlier this year the Met said thanks to 80 new officers it would now have 24/7 policing of the area from April 6.

The Met has been contacted for comment.