An independent investigation of Police involvement in the Lyttelton roadblock tragedy is likely.

National MP David Carter called for such an inquiry yesterday.

Under questioning from National MP Tony Ryall at today's Law and Order Select Committee, the Assistant Police Commissioner Steve Long advised that he was considering asking the Police Complaints Authority to investigate.

In his judgement in the Powell case Justice Panckhurst criticised Police action at the Lyttelton roadblock, and said that action was 'a powerful precipitating circumstance' in the tragedy.

Assistant Commissioner Long said he had yet to read the judgement but was concerned at what he had heard about it.

"The Police are always under pressure in such tense circumstances as in Lyttelton. But it is important that the Police maintain public order. An investigation into this case is warranted, considering the judge's criticisms," Mr Ryall said.

Mr Ryall made a copy of the judgement available to Assistant Commissioner Long.

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