Seven more held over murder of PC

(PA)

Detectives investigating the murder of the London PC Keith Blakelock in 1985 have revealed they have arrested 10 people in connection with his death in the past nine months.

Three suspects were arrested earlier this year. Now, to coincide with a memorial marking the 25th anniversary of the officer's death, Scotland Yard has announced that a further seven people have been held and bailed.

PC Blakelock was murdered during the Broadwater Farm riots in Tottenham while trying to protect firefighters. He and other officers were set upon by a 40-strong mob, and PC Blakelock was hacked to death.

Three men, Winston Silcott, Mark Braithwaite and Engin Raghip, were convicted of his murder in 1987 and jailed, but their convictions were quashed on appeal in 1991.

In December 2003 the investigation was reopened, and since then exhibits have been re-examined. Police have refused to confirm whether a forensic breakthrough triggered this year's arrests, and are still appealing for witnesses to come forward.