Horse named in honour of police chief who died

PH Lawson was officially named in a ceremony at Lancashire Police's mounted branch in Hutton

A Lancashire Police horse has been named in honour of an assistant chief constable who died suddenly at the age of 50.

Police Horse Lawson is named after Peter Lawson, who served with the force for more than 20 years, leading the investigation into the disappearance of Nicola Bulley in 2023 and also playing a key role in the county's response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Lawson's family were among those attending the naming ceremony at the force's mounted branch in Hutton.

Assistant Chief Constable Richard Robertshaw said: "We've been thinking about how we could recognise his memory and today was an opportunity to do that."

Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lawson died suddenly at home in December 2023

He said Mr Lawson was "very passionate about policing and keeping the public of Lancashire safe" and he was "a very warm and caring individual" who was much missed.

Mr Lawson also had responsibility for the mounted branch.

PH Lawson, a five-year-old Clydesdale horse, will be ridden by PC Cassie Barratt.

She said: "He is going to carry the name of Lawson with great pride in memory of Pete Lawson."