Horse patrols may return to Essex

Mounted Police could return to the streets of Essex.

Essex Police Authority has agreed "in principle" to the re-introduction of police horses in the county, following a seven-year absence.

But the decision, taken at a meeting of the authority on Monday, awaits the final approval of the Finance and Audit committee in January.

Members of the authority want to see a full business case before a final decision is made.

The mounted section was scrapped in 1999 because of budget costs.

Chairman of the Essex Police Authority Robert Chambers said: "I am delighted Essex Police is looking to bring police horses back to the county.

"I believe horses would be a very positive crime-fighting tool and would provide high visibility and reassurance through patrols as part of neighbourhood policing teams which would further benefit the public in Essex."