Morning Headlines | Calls made to allocate police on buses after Auckland bus attacks, ten year rāhui placed at Tongariro after second blaze | Wednesday December 10, 2025
A Waikato police officer didn’t crumble in the face of protesters who left him and other tourists in a sticky situation while on holiday in London.
Senior Constable Mark Strongman, who has been with the force for nearly 30 years, was visiting the Tower of London with his familywhen four protesters smeared custard and fruit crumble on the case holding the Crown Jewels.
Strongman, who has previous experience as a police negotiator, said he heard a commotion and saw the desserts had been thrown all over the case.
Four people were arrested by the Metropolitan Police for the stunt, performed by Take Back Power, which describes itself as a civil resistance group, with two of the suspects being apprehended by Strongman.
“I walked up to the two female suspects and introduced myself, informing them that I was arresting them for criminal behaviour and advised them of their rights,” said Strongman.
“I took an oath to the Crown so I figured my arrests procedures would stick.
“One was in possession of a backpack so I was concerned about what could be in there so quickly removed that and waited with the females until the Metropolitan Police officers arrived.”
Protesters from Take Back Power threw custard and crumble at the case holding the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. Photo / Take Back Power
Strongman said the whole place shut down, with steel doors slamming closed.
Metropolitan Police have sent thanks to Strongman for a job well done and acknowledged his intervention and use of police skills which ensured there was no further damage to the Crown Jewels.
The Tower of London was also able to stay open because of the police officer’s actions.
Strongman will continue his travels around Europe, but will return to NZ before Christmas to his position as a member of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Team.
