aqil shaer was understandably angry this evening after the GLA warden and police raid on brian haw's tents this morning. aqil was passing the parliamentary police sentry box outside the st.stephen's entrance to the house, when he caught sight of the portly policeman known as 'fatgut' who has apparently assaulted barbara tucker in the past and was in charge of the 31st january operation against her which is currently half way through trial.

as aqil passed the copper (P289), he made a comment about 'a shit'. now, if a police officer believes he is being sworn at, the usual approach is to issue a public order section 5 warning and threaten arrest if the perpertrator continues. but not 'fatgut', who instead launched a vicious attack on the gentle lebanese peace protestor, pushed him to the ground, and then dragged him into westminster, leaving his sentry post (at a time of terror alert) unattended while he carried out this seemingly personal vendetta.

supporters are very concerned as aqil has been detained for some time, and no charing cross police vehicle has been observed picking up aqil if he is under arrest. so there are grave concerns for his safety.

meanwhile at the square, a stranger approached barbara tucker and assaulted her. police approached the man after a complaint was made, and although he was arrested, supporters say they overheard him 'explaining' to police that he worked for someone. quite what this means and whether charges will stick remains to be seen.

updates to follow on these stories.