Avon and Somerset police have ended their investigation into chants by rap duo Bob Vylan at Glastonbury festival, saying there is insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction.
The duo’s frontman, Bobby Vylan – whose real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster – led crowds on the festival’s West Holts stage in chants of “death, death to the IDF” during their performance in June.
A man in his mid-30s was interviewed under caution last month in connection with the comments, though he was not formally arrested. The force said he was informed of the outcome on Tuesday.
In a statement, police said no further action would be taken due to insufficient evidence. The force added that the comments had drawn widespread anger and that it was right the matter was comprehensively investigated.
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed it provided early investigative advice but was not asked to make a charging decision. A spokesperson said a number of offences were considered but police concluded insufficient evidence existed.
The Community Security Trust, a charity that protects Jewish communities, expressed disappointment, saying the decision sends the wrong message at a time when other police forces are taking a stronger approach to hateful rhetoric.
