Gibraltar customs, police and vehicles under threat in Spain, say reports
RGP AWARE OF CONCERNS
The Royal Gibraltar Police says it is aware of the concerns being expressed by the community arising from commentary and videos posted on Social Media, and the disturbances that took place in La Linea.
An RGP statement says: "We wish to reassure the public that we are monitoring the situation and have been in contact with our Spanish counterparts since the incident took place. This is a tragic incident, which is currently under investigation. It has no doubt affected many on both sides of the frontier, none more so than the family of the deceased and those involved in the incident."
The police here are advising restraint and urge the community not to fall into the trap of engaging in acrimonious exchanges on Social Media, exchanges, which only serve to incense feelings even more. We also urge members of our community not to speculate on facts which have yet to be determined.
"Whilst we have not received any reports of local residents or vehicles having been targeted in Spain, we nevertheless advise the public to use common sense and avoid areas or situations which may give rise to confrontation," they say.
GSD REFERS TO THREATS
Our condolences to the family, says the GSD, and add: The exact circumstances of what transpired are as yet publicly unknown and the GSD will not be drawn into speculating as to the causes of the incident pending a full investigation.
GSD leader Keith Azopardi says: "It is concerning, however, to see that there are already reports of incitements to violent incidents on Gibraltar customs or police officers in Spain or on Gibraltar vehicles. Such acts would be repugnant and Spanish authorities should ensure that matters are not worsened by unprovoked attacks. Our officers and authorities in all essential services – especially the Customs and the Police when at sea - do a difficult job at the best of times. They deserve our full support and will get that from the GSD.
FULL INVESTIGATION, SAYS CHIEF MINISTER
The Chief Minister says he has sent his condolences to the family of the deceased man and expressed his sympathy to the Mayor of La Linea. He has promised that a full investigation into the relevant circumstances will start immediately.
Mr Fabian Picardo has also expressed his concerns about the welfare of the Customs officers involved in the incident, especially that of the officer who bravely dived into the sea to attempt a rescue.
He said, ‘The exact circumstances surrounding this tragic incident are still unclear but I have sent my deepest condolences to the family involved and to the Mayor of La Linea.
"This incident highlights the bravery of our law enforcement officers and confirms our decision to invest in new vessels which provide them with the safest possible working environment in which to carry out their dangerous work. We will continue to invest in the resources they have at their disposal to do their jobs safely and securely. We have also amended our law considerably to strengthen the powers of law enforcement agents. We will continue to do so as we may be advised is necessary or desirable by the Commissioner and the Collector.
"This sad matter now lies with the Coroner’s office and is therefore sub judice. We will obviously be providing as much information as we can and operating closely with Spanish law enforcement agencies to ensure the family of the deceased have as much information as possible on the circumstances of this tragic event."
ALERT
Meanwhile, an official document in Gibraltar, which is circulating widely, speaks of threats to target Gibraltar law enforcement agencies.
Although the threat appears to be focused on HM Customs, officers are to be conscious that these individuals may not distinguish between uniforms or services, says the document.
Unconfirmed reports are also being received that Gibraltar plated vehicles are being targeted in La Atunara area with stones and objects been thrown at vehicles.
Officers are warned to be alert.
02-10-2019 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
