Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes

I was involved in the filming of this important drama - as a Supporting Artiste, not a Police Advisor - you can see me in the still above on the left in the light blue forensic suit.

On the few days I was involved with filming I was impressed with the care and attention that was taken with the story, right down to recreating the awful bus bombing scene. Reading the background information provided by Disney+, I have every confidence that they've treated the research and those involved with equal levels of care and diligence - including inviting de Menezes' mother and family to consult on the film.

The events of July 2005 were a shock to everyone - a major ongoing terror threat in London, dozens dead from suicide bombers, and four terrorists on the run. The Metropolitan Police was under enormous strain and pressure, and they did a lot right, but the death of the innocent Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes is of course a stain on that history. That's why it is right and proper that 20 years later, this programme examines what happens from the viewpoints of the major players involved.

During filming I was lucky enough to meet and chat to Conleth Hill, playing Met Commissioner Sir Ian Blair. Sir Ian was Chief Constable of Surrey for some of the time that I was a police officer there, and I met him a few times. I was able to talk to Conleth about these meetings, about what it was like to be a police officer in 2005, my memories of that time, and about my impressions of the filming. He was charming, knowledgable, and thoughtful, a real gentleman and it was a priviledge to meet him, and to be involved in this project.

You can watch the full trailer here on YouTube. The four part drama is available on Disney+ from 30th April.

Still from trailer Copyright Disney+