Protest at Wiltshire Police HQ passes off peacefully
Anti-hunt campaigners gathered outside the force's main base
Wiltshire Police has thanked people for a peaceful protest, after anti hunt campaigners gathered outside their HQ.
The event yesterday afternoon (Sunday 5th March) was in opposition to an appointment of a constable in the rural team, who is allegedly affiliated with hunting groups.
No arrests were made, with the force paying tribute to those involved 'for the way they conducted themselves'.
Wiltshire Police had attracted criticism from campaigners, after it was alleged that a constable in the Rural Crime Team was linked to two hunt groups.
The force have defended this though - pointing out that it isn't illegal to be part of those types of organisations.
Superintendent Conway Duncan said:
"We know people want to make their voices heard and the right to lawful protest is a key part of any democracy, which UK police uphold and facilitate.
"We had a presence at the event to do just that, but also as part of our responsibility to ensure the local community were not adversely impacted.”