Agree with Dave, it was not the fault of the Police, rather the advice they received from the 'expert'.
One might possibly consider if it was coming in 09 and had some fault that affected stopping distance, it 'could' be warranted. As it was it came in on 27, if there was something that suggested it coming in short such as dual engine failure or bingo fuel a-la Heathrow 777... it could perhaps be justified. But as we have no real information on the 'fuel box' fault it might be worth waiting for more information before hanging anyone...