Report reveals Kiwi's killer

The family of a Napier man killed as police dispersed protesters in London will fight to ensure those responsible "don't get off the hook".

Anti-racism campaigner and teacher Blair Peach died from a blow to the head after officers broke up a protest against the extreme right-wing National Front in April 1979.

A Metropolitan Police investigation concluded at least one of six officers it identified struck the fatal blow. The report is thought to have contained details of how police tried to cover up the attack and recommended those responsible be prosecuted.

No charges were laid and the report has been kept secret for 30 years, despite a campaign by Peach's family and Celia Stubbs, his partner at the time.

London's Metropolitan Police Authority has finally agreed to release the report, with Mayor Boris Johnson demanding that should happen by the end of the year.

But there have been suggestions that the names of suspects and witnesses may be removed for legal reasons, which angers Stubbs and Peach's brother Philip.

"We are quite definite that names shouldn't be crossed out, police aren't going to be able to get off the hook," said Stubbs. "I think it should be published in its entirety. We believe that this will give us some idea of what police were doing that day."

Metropolitan Police Authority member Jenny Jones hadn't seen the report but presumed it was damning. She said it seemed ludicrous to keep it secret any longer.

"It has to be healthier for the police not to keep so many secrets. But first and foremost, it means justice for the family and publicity for the brutality and cruelty that caused Blair's death."

Philip said it was unlikely the family would take further legal action after viewing the report.

"Basically, what we want is the proof of what actually happened to come out. If these people need to be prosecuted and there is sufficient evidence there for that to happen the law should take its course," he said.

"We are elated that this has happened. There is no closure, a dead person is still a dead person. But after 30 years ... we have been waiting so long."