FOI Request to the British Transport Police

On March 26th I sent the following FOIA request to the BTP:

From The Guardian 10/7/05:

Andy Trotter
Deputy chief constable, British Transport Police.

'I was in the British Transport Police HQ in Tavistock Square when the first information came through at 9am. I immediately dispatched senior officers to the scene, then watched, horrified, as the tale unfolded in front of us.

'Within minutes, the casualties from Russell Square tube began arriving at our HQ. When the bus exploded, the whole building started rocking and debris began falling all around us. My first thought was to put extra security on our front door because the terrorists could try to gain access to the building by coming in with the injured. My children began texting me but I couldn't make a personal call to my wife until late afternoon: I didn't have a second to spare.'

Source: The Guardian

Why were casualties brought to the BTP HQ and not taken to hospital?

In fact, I have read no survivor or witness reports that have stated that they were taken to BTP HQ and I wonder why that is?

Could you say why they were brought and how many,

Thank You

Ms Bridget Dunne

http://www.btp.police.uk/foi.htm

BTP reply on 27/3/06 to my FOI request

Dear Ms Dunne

In respect of your request I can supply the following information.

Nine person were brought to the British Transport Police HQ and were either suffering from shock and/or very minor injuries which did not require hospital attention. If they had required hospital treatment that would have been arranged.

They were brought to BTP’s HQ as it was a secure location, bearing in mind that very quickly the whole area was cordoned off, making it very difficult for anybody to leave the area, particularly as all bus and underground services had been suspended.

BTP cannot state why you have read no survivor or witness reports stating they were taken to BTP’s HQ. What is reported is obviously outside of BTP’s control.

If you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact me.

Brian Coleman

Freedom of Information manager

To which I replied with the following:

Dear Mr Coleman

Thank you for the prompt reply to my FOI request.

The original report from Andy Trotter was:

'I was in the British Transport Police HQ in Tavistock Square when the first information came through at 9am. I immediately dispatched senior officers to the scene, then watched, horrified, as the tale unfolded in front of us.

'Within minutes, the casualties from Russell Square tube began arriving at our HQ. When the bus exploded, the whole building started rocking and debris began falling all around us. My first thought was to put extra security on our front door because the terrorists could try to gain access to the building by coming in with the injured.

Could you please tell me:

1. What was the infromation received at 9 am?

2. What time did the injured arrive at BTP HQ?

3. At what time was the whole area cordoned off?

4. Were any of the injured brought to the BTP HQ from the bus?

Regards

Ms Bridget Dunne

Were these questions a bit nearer to the bone? Here is the reply from the BTP:

Dear Ms Dunne

In respect of your request for:

1. What was the information received at 9 am?


2. What time did the injured arrive at BTP HQ?


3. At what time was the whole area cordoned off?


4. Were any of the injured brought to the BTP HQ from the bus?

BTP will deal with your request within 20 working days. If it is likely that BTP will not be able to answer you request within that time you will be advised of the new date.

However, in respect of question 3 the cordons were put in place by the Metropolitan Police Service, consequently BTP do not hold this information as prescribed by the Freedom of Information Act and are unable to answer this question. To request this information from the MPS you can find their request form at http://www.met.police.uk/information/metric/index.htm .

Brian Coleman