Commissioner challenges comments made by Cheshire Police about fox hunting

Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner David Keane has spoken to Cheshire’s acting chief constable Darren Martland about his concerns in regards to comments made by Cheshire Constabulary concerning the use of social media in relation to fox hunting.

The Sunday Telegraph reported that ‘Cheshire Police had urged the public not to believe everything posted on social media about fox hunting’.

It follows a statement published on the constabulary’s website which stated ‘many comments (made on social media) are based on inaccurate information that do not reflect a balanced view of the matters discussed’.

David said: “I have spoken to the acting chief constable about my deep concerns in regards to the comments made by Cheshire Constabulary and he has admitted that they were inappropriate.

“He has also assured me that he will be undertaking a review of communications, alongside a review of ongoing investigations of illegal activity related to hunting.

“As part of my role to hold the chief constable to account, I will be discussing these important issues further at a scrutiny meeting which will be held in public on Monday 25 February 2019. This meeting will also provide an opportunity discuss the independent review I recently commissioned into illegal hunting in Cheshire.

“Further information about this meeting will be released shortly, along with details of how to register to attend the meeting.”