Mother and son call for review of ‘harsh’ UK witness protection programme

Pair say system can be hostile towards innocent people, and claim official file shows witness statement that is not mine'

A mother and son whose lives have been completely reshaped by living under witness protection have called for a wholesale review of the system, warning that instead of keeping people safe it can be hostile" to innocents.

The pair spoke to the Guardian on condition of anonymity after obtaining their official file, which they say shows that their pleas for help were dismissed and the value of their evidence in an investigation into a gang-related murder may have been exaggerated.