History and Notable Incidents
When the Diplomatic Protection Group was formed, it was a branch of a division which policed Westminster, due to most diplomatic premises being within the area. The DPG was created, mainly to replace the Special Patrol Groups duties, which included the protection of premises.
During the Iranian Embassy Siege in 1980, Police Constable Trevor Lock was on protection duty. He was taken hostage, along with the embassy staff, and managed to conceal his firearm until the assault by the British Army's Special Air Service, when he then restrained the terrorist leader.
Other incidents where DPG officers have used firearms, include: when PC Peter Slimon GM visited a bank to draw money out while on his lunch break, he found that a bank robbery was in progress, and fatally wounded one, and injured two robbers. In the same incident, PS Stephen Peet responded, and shot the third robber. PC Gordon McKinnon was authorised to free a hostage in Trafalgar Square, and did so. More recently the Hackney siege and Markham Square incidents have involved SO6 Officers.
In September 2000, the MI6 headquarters building was attacked with a rocket propelled grenade (RPG). The missile shattered an eighth floor window on the southern side of the building, but there were no casualties.
DPG officers have provided armed security for Her Majesty The Queen Mother as well as security for the funeral of Diana Princess of Wales. In addition DPG residential protection officers have provided armed protection to many world leaders during visits to London.
Read more about this topic: Diplomatic Protection Group
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