Met Police close investigation into guillotine t-shirt image shared online
No criminal offence found in Instagram post, but case over t-shirt worn in Bristol passed to Avon and Somerset Police
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The Metropolitan Police have closed their investigation into an image shared on Instagram on 27 July 2026. The image showed a man wearing a t-shirt featuring a guillotine and accompanying text. Police reviewed the case and determined that sharing the image online was unlikely to constitute a criminal offence.
The image was the 18th in a post containing 20 images. The individual named in the reports stated publicly that he had not seen the specific image when he agreed to collaborate on the post. The post was removed from his account once the issue was raised, as reported by the Metropolitan Police.
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No offence found in sharing the image
Police considered telecommunications, public order and incitement offences but concluded that the threshold for criminal action was not met. The post was shared by approximately 130 accounts and circulated on other social media platforms. The Met stated that investigating all individuals involved would be disproportionate and an unreasonable use of resources.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said, "We absolutely understand the reaction to this image being shared online, particularly in the context of increasing threats towards politicians." The spokesperson added that while the force takes the safety of public figures seriously, no evidence of an offence was found in this instance.
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Crime report filed for t-shirt worn in Bristol
While no action will be taken over the online sharing of the image, the Met recorded a crime report relating to the t-shirt being worn at an event in Bristol. The case has been transferred to Avon and Somerset Police, who will decide whether further action is warranted.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they had spoken to those affected by the image to explain their decision. They also reiterated their commitment to the security of public figures and outlined the additional support available to them.
What happens next
Avon and Somerset Police will review the crime report relating to the t-shirt being worn in Bristol. It is unclear when they will reach a decision on whether to pursue the matter further. The Metropolitan Police have stated that no further action will be taken regarding the online sharing of the image.
Questions this report answers
+Why did the Met Police close the investigation into the guillotine t-shirt image?
The Met Police closed the investigation because they determined sharing the image did not meet the threshold for a criminal offence. They also noted that investigating all 130 accounts involved would be disproportionate and an unreasonable use of resources.
+What will happen with the t-shirt worn in Bristol?
A crime report has been filed regarding the t-shirt worn at an event in Bristol, and the case has been transferred to Avon and Somerset Police. They will now decide whether to pursue the matter further, though no timeline for their decision has been provided.
+Did the Met Police find any evidence of a criminal offence in this case?
No, the Metropolitan Police found no evidence of a criminal offence in either the online sharing of the image or the wearing of the t-shirt at the Bristol event. They confirmed this after reviewing the case and consulting with those affected.
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