POLICE are requesting organisers of an animal rights protest in Ledbury to contact them in the interests of the safety of the public and protestors alike.

Police have recently become aware of the protest, which is being promoted to take place in Ledbury on Saturday, September 6.

But despite making a number of enquiries, they have been unable to identify the organisers behind the protest.

Chief Inspector Shane Hancock said, "It's normal, when any public protest is being planned, for the organisers to contact police; indeed there's a legal responsibility for written advance notice to be given in most cases.

"This is so that discussions can take place on a number of matters and, most importantly, so that the police can facilitate a lawful and peaceful protest. Organisers also have certain responsibilities with regard to the health and safety of those attending and the police are able to advise on this.

"It's disappointing that on this occasion the organisers seemed to have distanced themselves from their responsibilities. I would urge them to contact me in the interests of all those who may attend on the day. Without such contact, I can only make assumptions about their intentions and base any policing response on those assumptions."

Chief Inspector Hancock can be contacted on the usual West Mercia Constabulary number of 08457 444888.