Tributes paid to WPC Yvonne Fletcher on 40th anniversary of her murder

Today marks 40 years since WPC Yvonne Fletcher was shot and killed on duty as she policed a protest outside the Libyan People's Bureau in St James’s Square.

This morning, Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley visited the scene and laid a wreath in Yvonne’s memory.

Sir Mark said: “Yvonne was just 25 when she was callously murdered. She was simply doing her job, policing protest, not unlike what many officers do so often today.

“She had her whole career and her whole life ahead of her.

“Today, 40 years on from that terrible day, I join with all in the Met and across policing in paying tribute to her, in recognising her sacrifice and in keeping her family, friends and colleagues in our thoughts.”

In a statement, WPC Fletcher's family said:

"It was 40 years ago today that Yvonne was just doing her job policing another demonstration when she was tragically killed in St James’s Square.

"Over the years Yvonne has always been in our thoughts along with all those effected on that fateful day. As in previous years the family has chosen to spend the day privately reflecting on the sister we knew and loved without any media intrusion.

"We would like to thank the Metropolitan Police for their continued support."

Criminal investigation

The Met arrested a man on suspicion of conspiracy to murder WPC Fletcher in 2015 but for national security reasons, much of the evidence against him could not be used in court.

Ultimately, in 2017, the Crown Prosecution Service informed us that there was insufficient admissible evidence to charge him.

The investigation into Yvonne’s murder will never be closed, but we believe the likelihood of finding further evidence, in Libya or elsewhere, remains low. There are currently no active lines of enquiry.

Of course, should any relevant new information come to light, it will be assessed and investigated further as appropriate.