The Metropolitan Police has said it is investigating a video shared online that appeared to show England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty being harassed by two men in a park.
The video shows two men laughing as they try to hold on to Prof. Whitty.
Prof. Whitty was then seen struggling to free himself from the men.
The Metropolitan Police tweeted: “We are aware of a video being shared online showing an incident in St James’s Park. Officers spoke to all those involved at the time and their details were taken.
“We are in contact with the victim and the circumstances continue to be investigated.”
We are aware of a video being shared online showing an incident in St James’s Park.
Officers spoke to all those involved at the time and their details were taken. We are in contact with the victim and the circumstances continue to be investigated.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 28, 2021
What has been the response from the government since?
Boris Johnson said he was “shocked at seeing the despicable harassment” of England’s chief medical officer Chris Whitty.
The Prime Minister wrote on Twitter: “I condemn the behaviour of these thugs. Our hard-working public servants should not have to face this kind of intimidation on our streets and we will not tolerate it.”
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the footage of chief medical officer Chris Whitty being harassed was “appalling and totally unacceptable”.
“The CMO works tirelessly on behalf of the country,” Mr Javid said.
“We will not tolerate this sort of behaviour towards our public servants. The men behaving in this disgraceful way should be ashamed.”
Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi condemned the incident, tweeting: “This is disgusting and these thugs must be found and charged. Zero tolerance for harassing a public servant.”
Priti Patel has suggested that England’s chief medical officer could be given more protection following the event.
The home secretary said the government is looking at “what we can do to support him”.
