Loved ones lead demonstrators to police station over teenager’s tragic death

https://twitter.com/Justiceforhenxx/status/584486590413742080

Thousands of demonstrators filled Islington’s streets on Saturday to back a family’s plea for answers over a beloved teenager’s death.

The family of 18-year-old Henry Hicks, who died when his scooter hit a parked car in Wheelwright Street, Holloway, in December, led the march from their home in Liverpool Road to Islington Police Station in Tolpuddle Street.

Three and a half months after Henry’s death an investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission is sill ongoing over the conduct of officers who were following the teenager when he was killed.

A petition set up by Henry’s 23-year-old sister Claudia demanding answers has now reached more than 19,000 signatures.

Islington Gazette: Campaigners hold up Justice for Henry Hicks signs outside Islington Police Station. Dieter PerryCampaigners hold up Justice for Henry Hicks signs outside Islington Police Station. Dieter Perry (Image: Dieter Perry)

The march took place directly after Henry’s beloved Arsenal’s 4-1 victory over Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium, where fans chanted “justice, for young Henry Hicks” to the tune of “one nil, to the Arsenal”.

Campaigners wore justice for Henry Hicks t-shirts and held banners reading “no justice, no peace”.

A huge mural of Henry’s face among clouds was also painted on a wall at the scene of his death on Good Friday.

Birds of a feather actor and friend of the family, Linda Robson, said: “The support and love for the family here is amazing.

Islington Gazette: Campaigners hold up Justice for Henry Hicks signs outside Islington Police Station. Dieter PerryCampaigners hold up Justice for Henry Hicks signs outside Islington Police Station. Dieter Perry (Image: Dieter Perry)

“They [the Hicks family] have taken something so terrible and turned it into something so positive.”

Mrs Robson is trustee of the Henry Hicks foundation, which was set up less than two months ago and has already helped three local families with funds to help bury their children who have tragically died young.

Other celebrities who have shown their support for the justice of Henry Hicks campaign include Russel Brand, Danny Dyer and Suggs from Madness.

Islington Gazette: Campaigners hold up Justice for Henry Hicks signs outside Islington Police Station. Dieter PerryCampaigners hold up Justice for Henry Hicks signs outside Islington Police Station. Dieter Perry (Image: Dieter Perry)