Devon and Cornwall Police Commissioner Apologises Over False ‘Multiple Bodies’ Protest Claim

DOWNLOAD IPFS

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall, Alison Hernandez, has issued a public apology after wrongly claiming that “multiple bodies” had been found at a protest camp near a proposed asylum centre in Cornwall. The inaccurate statement, made during a media interview, sparked significant backlash and confusion.

The protest in question centred around the use of RAF Scampton as a potential accommodation site for asylum seekers. Hernandez, speaking during a radio appearance, suggested that police had discovered several bodies at a protest encampment in connection with the site. However, Devon and Cornwall Police later confirmed that this was entirely untrue.

In her apology, Hernandez acknowledged that her comments were “wrong and deeply regrettable,” and clarified that there had been no such discoveries. She stressed that her intention was not to cause alarm or misrepresent the facts, but admitted the claim was based on incorrect information she had received. She added that she had taken steps to ensure such errors would not happen again.

The commissioner’s remarks had quickly spread across social media and local outlets, prompting widespread concern and criticism from community groups and political figures. Opposition councillors described the claim as irresponsible and said it risked inflaming tensions around an already sensitive and polarised issue.

Hernandez, a Conservative elected official, has faced repeated scrutiny over her handling of asylum policy discussions, especially about the government’s broader immigration strategy. Critics have accused her of politicising the issue and undermining trust in public communication.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police reiterated that no bodies had been discovered and confirmed that the protest site in question had been monitored as part of standard public safety measures. They also noted that no criminal investigation was being pursued about any alleged incident of that nature.

In the wake of the apology, calls have been made for a formal review into how such misinformation was broadcast publicly by a figure in a position of authority. Campaigners and community leaders have also emphasised the need for clarity and responsibility in public statements, particularly when discussing asylum seekers and community tensions.

While Hernandez has expressed regret and committed to transparency going forward, the episode has once again highlighted the challenges of public trust and accountability within the policing and political landscape of the UK’s asylum debate.