Scotland Yard boss hits out at Raoul Moat tributes

Jul 14 2010 by Laura Caroe, The Journal

During the past two days, people have had their photographs taken by the storm drain. One young boy posed, stooping down by the entrance and grinning for his father as a snap was taken at the now notorious location in Rothbury, Northumberland.

Yesterday, more than 20,000 people had joined a Facebook group called RIP Raoul Moat You Legend, many of them praising the gunman for shooting a police officer.

The mother of Chris Brown, who was murdered by Moat as he began his rampage 10 days ago, also lashed out at the tide of tributes.

Sally Brown said: “I don’t understand now, for some reason, why he is being praised and seen as some hero. It’s wrong.”

Lee Barron, a lecturer in media and culture and Northumbria University spoke earlier to The Journal, about Moat becoming an anti-hero.

Mr Barron said: “People have always liked the outlaw who takes on the authority. The reality of the person is washed away and replaced with a romantic figure.”

Ten arrests so far and possibility of more in Raoul Moat investigation

THREE men have been arrested for allegedly assisting an offender during the search for Newcastle gunman Raoul Moat.

The men were held during raids in Newcastle and Gateshead.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said last night: "Three men have been arrested this morning in connection with assisting an offender during the search for Raoul Moat.

"The men were arrested from two addresses in Gateshead and one in Newcastle. At this stage the investigation is still ongoing and further arrests can’t be ruled out." Yesterday’s arrests bring the total to 10 made so far in the investigation, police confirmed.

Of those, Karl Ness and Qhuram Awan were arrested on July 6. They were later charged with conspiracy to commit murder and possessing a firearm with intent. They appeared at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court last week and were remanded in custody.