Iceland Founder Claims 'Two-Tier Policing' After Racism Complaint Brought Rapid Police Response Retail Boss Joins Growing Row Over Police PrioritiesIceland founder Sir Malcolm Walker has accused police of operating a form of "two-tier policing" after officers allegedly rushed to one of his stores within minutes of a customer making a racism complaint while often failing to respond to violent incidents involving shoplifters. The retail entrepreneur said the incident highlighted what he believes is a growing imbalance in policing priorities. His comments come amid intense public debate over the handling of the Henry Nowak case, which has sparked wider questions about police decision-making and public confidence in law enforcement. Staff Member Handcuffed After Customer ComplaintSir Malcolm said the incident occurred at an Iceland store in Enfield after a customer was challenged by staff for allegedly opening milk bottles and placing them back on shelves. According to Walker, the customer then telephoned police and claimed he had been racially abused. Walker said officers arrived within three minutes and immediately detained a store supervisor. "This member of staff was taken away for two or three hours before the matter was dropped," he said. "What a terrible over-the-top reaction. It was madness." The supervisor involved was himself of Asian heritage, according to Walker. Violence Against Retail Workers 'Out Of Control'The Iceland founder contrasted the rapid police response with what he described as the routine experiences of shop workers facing violence and intimidation. He said store staff regularly report being assaulted, threatened with knives or confronted by aggressive shoplifters. "Every week we have reports of violence," Walker said. "Members of staff are being punched, threatened with hypodermic needles or knives. It is out of control." He added that many workers no longer bother contacting police because they believe little action will be taken. 'Police Would Never Arrive In Three Minutes'Walker argued that violent incidents in stores rarely receive the same level of attention. "Never in a million years would police be there in three minutes for that," he said. He claimed the disparity in response times was fuelling frustration among retail workers who face increasing levels of abuse while carrying out their jobs. Henry Nowak Case Fuels Wider DebateWalker said he felt compelled to speak publicly following the controversy surrounding the death of Henry Nowak. The case has generated significant public anger after bodycam footage showed officers handcuffing the 18-year-old while he was suffering fatal stab wounds after his attacker allegedly claimed to be the victim of racist abuse. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. Met Police Reject CriticismThe Metropolitan Police rejected suggestions that officers apply the law differently depending on race or background. A spokesman said: "We police London without fear or favour and strive to serve all communities equally." The force added that all operational decisions are based on legal principles and the evidence available at the time. Police confirmed that following the Enfield incident, a man in his twenties was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence. Row Over Policing ContinuesWalker's intervention adds another prominent voice to an increasingly heated national debate over policing priorities, public trust and how officers respond to allegations involving race. Supporters argue police must treat all allegations seriously until facts are established, while critics claim certain complaints receive far faster responses than offences that directly affect public safety. With tensions already heightened by the Henry Nowak case, the controversy shows little sign of fading. SOURCE
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