A woman was arrested by Metropolitan Police officers who arrived at her home in a riot van at 4.45am after she posted about her ex-partner, a serving Met officer, on Facebook. Sarah (not her real name) had commented on a post in a local Facebook group linked to 'Are we dating the same guy?', a global network used by women to share information about partners. She later made her own post warning other women about her ex-boyfriend, with whom she had been in a relationship for almost five years.
Sarah said she sent her ex-partner two messages, including one in which she called him a 'pussy', before blocking his number. On 13 May, three police officers banged on her door at 4.45am and arrested her on suspicion of harassment. She was taken into custody for about 12 hours, and her phone and computer were seized. During questioning, she admitted to the posts and messages, saying she had 'nothing to hide' and was trying to protect other women.
After her release without charge, a police officer served her with civil court papers for a non-molestation order sought by her ex-partner. The court rejected the application, noting concerns about 'the applicant's abuse of power' in arranging the early-morning arrest with multiple officers and a riot van. The court stated the application related to a single Facebook post and no other allegations.
Sarah made a formal complaint alleging her ex-partner abused his position, but it was rejected after nine months. An inspector deemed the police response 'acceptable' and found no grounds for disciplinary action. Sarah said the experience has left her with panic attacks and fear of encountering her ex in public, but she lacks the financial resources to pursue the matter further.
A Met Police spokesperson said the woman was arrested in May 2024 on suspicion of harassment and released without further action. Allegations of abuse of power by the officer were investigated and found to be unsubstantiated, with the force stating the action taken was 'necessary and proportionate'.
