Warwickshire Police cleared in hunt incident

An independent review of Warwickshire Police has found that they dealt with an incident involving a local hunt with “clear operational independence”. 

In December 2022, Warwickshire Police issued a Community Protection Notice (CPN) to the Warwickshire Hunt for antisocial behaviour and disregard for road safety. The notice was due to be appealed by the hunt, but a protocol to address road safety matters was agreed beforehand, meaning the CPN was dropped. 

This sparked anger among hunt protesters, who suggested that Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Philip Seccombe’s membership of the Countryside Alliance was a conflict of interest. 

The review of Warwickshire Police’s response to the alleged antisocial behaviour was carried out by David Peet, former chief executive at the offices of police and crime commissioners in Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Northamptonshire. 

Mr Peet said: “There is no evidence to suggest undue influence from the PCC in operational matters, and I am satisfied that operational independence was maintained throughout.” 

The Countryside Alliance’s Tim Bonner said: “We are pleased that the review has made it clear that PCC Philip Seccombe’s membership had absolutely no bearing on this case.”