Met Police close probe into guillotine t-shirt image shared online
Investigation found no criminal offence in the sharing of a controversial Instagram post in Barnet
Incident → evidence → outcomeThe Metropolitan Police have closed their investigation into the sharing of an image on social media that depicted a man wearing a t-shirt featuring a guillotine and accompanying text. The image was part of an Instagram post shared on 27 July 2026, which prompted multiple reports to the force.
After reviewing the case, officers determined that the sharing of the image was unlikely to constitute a criminal offence. The Met considered offences under telecommunications, public order and incitement laws but found the threshold for prosecution was not met.
Post shared by 130 accounts
The image in question was the 18th in a sequence of 20 posted on Instagram. The individual named in the reports stated publicly that they had not seen the specific image before accepting the collaboration. The post was removed once the issue was raised.
By the time the post was taken down, it had been shared by approximately 130 accounts. The Met noted that the image had also been circulated on other social media platforms. Police concluded that investigating all 130 accounts would be disproportionate, given the lack of evidence suggesting a criminal offence.
Crime report transferred to Avon and Somerset
While the Met will take no further action regarding the sharing of the image, a separate crime report has been recorded concerning the wearing of the t-shirt. The incident occurred in Bristol, so the case has been transferred to Avon and Somerset Police for consideration.
“We take the safety and security of those in public life, including politicians, very seriously. Where we identify threats we take appropriate action and where there is evidence of offences we will investigate.”
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said the force understands public concern over the image, particularly in light of rising threats against politicians. They emphasised that while no offence was identified in this instance, the Met remains committed to the security of public figures and will continue to provide support where necessary.
What happens next
Avon and Somerset Police will now review the crime report relating to the wearing of the t-shirt. It is unclear what action, if any, they will take. The Metropolitan Police have confirmed no further steps will be taken regarding the sharing of the image online.
Questions this report answers
01Why did the Met close the investigation into the t-shirt image?
The Metropolitan Police closed the investigation because they found the sharing of the image did not meet the legal threshold for a criminal offence under telecommunications, public order, or incitement laws. This means the posts did not constitute a crime despite public concern.
02What will happen to the accounts that shared the image?
The Metropolitan Police decided not to investigate the approximately 130 accounts that shared the image, as they concluded doing so would be disproportionate. The focus shifted to the original post and its removal rather than pursuing individual users.
03Who is now handling the crime report about the t-shirt itself?
The crime report concerning the wearing of the t-shirt has been transferred to Avon and Somerset Police, as the incident occurred in Bristol. The Met will take no further action on this matter.
04What does the Met say about threats to public figures?
The Metropolitan Police stated they take threats to public figures seriously and will investigate where evidence of offences exists. In this case, no such evidence was found, but the force remains committed to protecting those in public life.
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