The Metrpolitan Police Commmissioner, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, has spoken out against the release of a man convicted of killing three offficers.

Harry Roberts, formerly of Wanstead and whose parents ran The George pub in High Road, was jailed in 1966 for a minimum of 30 years for shooting dead two police officers in Shepherd’s Bush.

An accomplice murdered a third officer.

Detective Constable David Wombwell, Sergeant Christopher Head and PC Geoffrey Fox were killed after they approached his van parked near Wormwood Scrubs prison, which was stocked with firearms. 

Roberts, now 78, has served 48 years behind bars and Littlehey Prison in Cambridge is understood to have approved his release.

Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, Metropolitan Police Commissioner, said: “My thoughts today are primarily with the families and friends of Harry Roberts' three victims. 

“Roberts pleaded guilty to two cold-blooded murders and was involved, with his accomplices, in a third. He was convicted of all three murders.

“The murdered officers were unarmed and in 1966 were doing their duty on behalf of society, just as officers do today.

“Officers of both yesterday and today deserve the full protection of the law when facing ruthless criminals and in this case “life” should have meant what it said.”