**Metropolitan Police Chief Issues Apology to Selina Scott Following West End Mugging**
The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police has offered a formal apology to veteran broadcaster Selina Scott after she was the victim of a mugging in the heart of London’s West End, an incident which has raised further questions regarding public safety in the capital.
Scott, aged 74, was reportedly accosted by a group of individuals near the Waterstones bookshop on Piccadilly. According to her account, the assailants struck her on the back of her leg with what is believed to be a metal object, before tearing open her handbag and fleeing with her purse, including bank cards and cash. The broadcaster, visibly shaken, described the experience as both humiliating and deeply unsettling.
In the aftermath, Scott told media outlets that she had been unable to locate a single police officer in one of the city’s busiest areas to report the burglary. She pointed out that the West End Central police station—once a fixture of the neighbourhood—had been shut down some four years prior, exacerbating her sense of helplessness. Her criticisms extended to police responsiveness, as officers failed to keep a scheduled appointment at her home the following day, citing that there were no available patrol vehicles.
Scott’s comments were broadcast to a wider audience during a radio call-in, where she left a voice message describing the ordeal. She stated: “I was mugged by a gang who hit me with a metal object at the back of my leg, before ripping open my bag and taking all my debit cards and cash. They sauntered off in the direction of the Ritz, and there was nothing I could do about it.” She continued by expressing concern not only for her own safety but for all those who believe London’s streets to be secure.
Raising further points on policing priorities, Scott questioned why law enforcement can mobilise significant resources for marches and demonstrations, yet appear absent when it comes to everyday protection of ordinary citizens. She voiced frustration at assurances about CCTV coverage, revealing her understanding that the camera near Waterstones, where the mugging occurred, had not worked for over a year.
Sir Mark Rowley, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, personally addressed her concerns during the same broadcast. He conceded that the response given to Scott was not up to the standard that the public should expect, saying, “I can feel for her. She’s obviously very upset. She’s a 70-odd-year-old lady who had a very frightening experience. The officers weren’t able to give the service that we would expect on that day. I’m sorry about that.”
Scott’s ordeal has sparked a fresh conversation about urban crime and the visibility of frontline police officers in central London, particularly in areas with high foot traffic. Local residents and business owners have repeatedly called for more robust police presence, particularly following recent closures of police stations in prominent city districts.
The decline in police visibility is often cited as a key factor in growing public unease. Many, like Scott, question whether Londoners and tourists alike can feel genuinely safe on the city’s streets, especially in light of ongoing reports of thefts and robberies in well-frequented locations.
In Parliament, the issue of resourcing and the balance between event policing and community protection has gained renewed attention. Critics argue that while high-profile events receive notable policing coverage, day-to-day crime prevention efforts have suffered due to budget constraints and restructuring within the Metropolitan Police Service.
As the investigation into Scott’s case continues, her experience serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by both citizens and law enforcement agencies amid changing urban landscapes. The Metropolitan Police has since reiterated its commitment to public safety, promising a review of procedures in response to these concerns and an evaluation of infrastructure such as CCTV networks.
For many Londoners, the apology from the Met chief, while welcome, underlines the need for systematic changes to ensure safety across the city, and to restore confidence in the ability of police to protect and reassure the public in every community.