Backing for Soham inquiry chief as court case looms

British Home Secretary David Blunkett was tonight preparing for a High Court battle, which could come as early as Monday, over the future of Humberside’s Chief Constable David Woodward.

Mr Blunkett threatened legal action against Humberside Police Authority after it defied his instruction to suspend Mr Woodward following criticism of his force in the Bichard Report into Soham murderer Ian Huntley.