Name/Title
Orange safety helmet used at scene of the Brighton Grand Hotel bombing 1984Entry/Object ID
19Description
Orange coloured plastic safety helmet with, plastic adjustable headband, nylon webbing and paper makeshift label stuck to front with "Police" written in large blue lettering.Use
Used by an assistant chief constable as head protection at the scene of the Brighton bomb 1984Context
On 12th October 1984 a bomb exploded at the Grand Hotel in Brighton, whilst it was hosting guests staying for the Conservative Party Conference being held in Brighton, killing 5 people and injuring 31. The bomb was planted by the I.R.A. (Irish Republican Army) in an attempt to kill Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and members of her government.
In September 1985 Patrick Magee was convicted of planting the bomb and five counts of murder.
This safety helmet was worn by Assistant Chief Constable David Scott in the aftermath of the bombing, when police officers were at the site to initially support the rescue operation and subsequently to secure evidence. ACC Scott oversaw the Sussex Police response and investigation into bombing, and as such was present at the scene on a number of occasions. Other senior officers involved were Commander Bill Hucklesby Head of the Metropolitan Police Anti Terrorist Squad, Detective Chief Superintendent Jack Reece and Chief Superintendent Jack Williams, both of Sussex Police.