THE Bichard Report found a catalogue of failures by Humberside Police, which allowed Ian Huntley to get a job as a school caretaker in Soham.

Over the past ten days, the force should have given its fullest possible attention to introducing the reforms recommended by the report.

It has not been able to do so because of the dispute over the future of Chief Constable David Westwood.

Responsibility for this unnecessary distraction lies with Mr Westwood and his police authority. As was made clear in the High Court yesterday, the Home Secretary acted within his rights in calling for Mr Westwood's suspension.

In some quarters there were doubts over whether Mr Westwood should resign as a consequence of the Bichard Report. After his antics over the past ten days there can no longer be doubts.

Both he and the majority of the members of the Humberside Police Authority have flouted the law, and must now seriously consider their positions.