Andy Hayman’s memoirs blocked from publication

The memoirs of former assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Andy Hayman, have blocked from publication by the attorney general.

Baroness Scotland QC served the injunction against The Terrorist Hunters hours before it was due to go on sale today, July 2.

Police Professional was made privy to an advanced copy of the book by retired assistant commissioner, Mr Hayman, which covers his recollections of the investigations into the London suicide bombings, the unfulfilled July 21 attacks and the suspected radiation poisoning of Russian dissident Alexander Litvinenko.

Large sections of the 372-page book, co-written by former BBC journalist Margaret Gilmore, have already been serialised in the Times newspaper.

The attorney general`s office announced the injunction late yesterday evening, after it had been granted by an unnamed High Court judge. The reasons for granting the injunction are not being published for legal reasons.

Mr Hayman retired from the Metropolitan Police in 2007, having ended his policing career as the UK`s most senior police officer responsible for counter-terrorism strategy.

The book was billed as the definitive inside story of the UK`s fight against terrorism.

Speaking at a Metropolitan Police Authority meeting last week, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson said: “I find it surprising as commissioner that I have no right on this occasion to have access to the book before it is published.”

“That surprises me. It is troublesome and it does not help good conduct.”

The publishers have not yet made comment.

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