This is going to be very difficult. The
organisers of the Jim Clark Rally have been asked by the Police not to issue
any statements, respond to media enquiries, or deny or confirm any points put
to the team members, with regard to the tragedy which befell the rally
yesterday.
On that basis I cannot comment on specific events, but what
I can say is that the Police and representatives from the local Borders Council
have been extremely helpful and entirely supportive. The Police very quickly
assumed full control of the location and their investigation is well under way.
Needless to say, the organisers are cooperating fully with the Police, despite
being in a state of shock.
Naturally, the event officials are only too well aware of
the impact that ‘social media’ has on such events. It would be very helpful to
the team if much of this comment and opinion could be addressed and corrected, but
that will not be permissible until the Police have completed their initial
investigation.
At times like this, the welfare of all those directly or
indirectly involved has to be considered first. That is the priority in such
cases and rightly so.
To that end, the Police have developed a very strict
operational procedure and whilst the public’s appetite for news and information
may not be sated as quickly as it would like, there are very good reasons for
this methodical approach.
At this difficult time our thoughts must first and foremost be
with the family and friends of those who are no longer with us and those who were
injured.
