Soham police chief defies Blunkett

Embattled Humberside chief constable David Westwood insisted today he had widespread public support despite calls for his suspension over police failings in the Soham murder case.

Mr Westwood said he had received a “tremendous torrent” of goodwill messages from around the country after being severely criticised in the Bichard report on the employment of Soham killer Ian Huntley.

Home Secretary David Blunkett said yesterday he was using his powers to force Humberside police authority to suspend Mr Westwood in the wake of the report.

But today Mr Westwood told BBC News 24 he was determined to stay and had the support of the community.

“I am very heartened by the tremendous torrent of support that I have had in the last 24 hours, not just from my force, not just from people in my area but from all around the country,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Westwood received the backing of the chairman of his police authority.

Colin Inglis, who is also leader of Hull City Council, said Mr Westwood had been made a scapegoat – a stance which could put him on collision course with Mr Blunkett.

Mr Westwood told the BBC that deciding whether to stay in his job was a “difficult call” to make.

“The force is telling me that it’s right to stay. The police authority chairman is telling me that it’s right to stay.

“I have to balance – I do have to make that judgment and it is a difficult call to make and I can’t make it on my own.

“I have to listen and take soundings. But I have taken soundings and I have received some very influential phone calls that tell me I’m doing the right thing.”