IN JANUARY 1911 a gang of Russian anarchists who had been bringing terror to the streets of London took refuge in a house in Sydney Street.

When the police tried to arrest them they shot dead three officers. The Home Secretary Winston Churchill, on hearing the grim news, ordered in armed police, the army and some artillery.

He was also present directing the operation. As the bullets started to fly around, the house caught fire so the fire brigade moved in to put out the flames.

But Churchill waved them back with the words “let them burn.” When the flames had died down the bodies of the anarchists were discovered. Churchill, already a controversial Home Secretary, did receive some criticism for his language and indeed his presence, but remained in office.

Now a plaque is to be erected near Sydney Street to honour the leader of the gang, Peter the Painter.

No wonder the London police are outraged.

JOHN PORTER, Thwaites Road, Oswaldtwistle.