G20 policeman apologises to family

(Ki Price)

The police officer who shoved Ian Tomlinson to the ground during the G20 protests apologised to family members today for "any way" he may be responsible for the death.

Pc Simon Harwood faced suggestions he told "half truths" and "deliberately painted a false picture of Mr Tomlinson" as he gave evidence at the inquest into the newspaper seller's death.

At one point, family lawyer Matthew Ryder QC said: "I am going to suggest to you that you are not here to help Mr Tomlinson's family but to help yourself."

The officer admitted Mr Tomlinson was no threat to him or his colleagues before he hit him with a baton and pushed him.

As relatives of Mr Tomlinson looked on, Pc Harwood said: "If it is the case that in any way I have caused Mr Tomlinson's death, I am very sorry."

During fierce questioning before a jury, Mr Ryder added later: "I am going to suggest to you when it is right there in front of you that you are willing to be evasive and lie."

Pc Harwood replied: "I am not being evasive, I am not lying."