The Thirst
The Thirst

An incident which saw a band held by armed officers after a gig in Burntwood has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Brixton-based four-piece The Thirst had just finished playing at The Oak at Sankeys Corner in Burntwood on November 21 when the swoop by Staffordshire Police took place.

The armed officers moved in after CCTV operators said they had seen a firearm in the band’s van.

However, no weapon was found and the band and their backstage team were later released without charge.

The group have since criticised the raid, leading to Staffordshire Police referring the case to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

A police spokesman said:

“We are aware that the men have made a number of claims in the media about how they were treated following their arrest. Their claims are of obvious concern to us, and we appreciate that they might equally concern members of the communities we serve.

“Our own review is already underway. However, we feel it is important that – in the interests of complete transparency and thoroughness – we liaise with the IPCC on the most appropriate way forward.”

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.

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Class Crisis
14 years ago

I suppose the police decision to refer it to the IPCC is nothing to do with the Times article. It also seems the police are letting the arrested band members oversee the removal of their DNA and fingerprints from police records. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article6936821.ece

I suppose the local plod have put Burntwood on the map The Brixton based message board Urban75 has us down as a one horse town policed by racists.

Tax Payer
14 years ago

Why are the police asking people in the north lich area which “Diety” they speak to and where they come from?
If all are equal why do they need to know?

Tax Payer
14 years ago

Again I am intrigued why I have a red – !
Why does the person disagree with what is fact – the police have been conducting a survey asking amongst other things – what religion and where do you come from!!
If you don’t believe it – ask your local police person.
According to the law we are not supposed to discriminate so why do they need to know?
So come on the person who likes red – please explain your point of view.

Adam
14 years ago

Great publicity for the band though; I bet bookings are up!

John
14 years ago

“I suppose the local plod have put Burntwood on the map The Brixton based message board Urban75 has us down as a one horse town policed by racists. ”

Fools. There’s a bunch of horses down Wharf Lane.

Chris
14 years ago

“Great publicity for the band though; I bet bookings are up!”

Yeah, I think they’ve even been on TV to talk about it.