THE BRITISH INQUISITION

When pub landlord Ian Briscoe complained to the police about the behaviour of and threats made by a group of travellers, he received no assistance at all. The travellers had even threatened to break his arms after they had become drunk and Mr Briscoe had refused to serve them any more alcohol.

Despite eventually agreeing to leave the pub, the travellers returned again on the next 2 days, the second time after last orders.

Mr Biscoe had been told that the community policeman would call, but he did not.

Consequently, in order to stop the travellers calling again, Mr Briscoe put up a sign saying ‘Sorry, No Travellers’.

Now the police have launched an investigation into alleged racism by Mr Briscoe. A police spokesman said: ‘The local officer will be attending the pub and should we find such a sign we will take action - advising the licensees that displaying this type of material is illegal. If officers are aware of discriminatory or offensive material it is within their powers to confiscate it, and potentially press criminal charges against the owner depending on the situation’.

A spokesman for the Gypsy Council advised ‘local travellers (to) contact a lawyer and the Commission for Racial Equality and take the matter to court’.