Essex Police have denied being reprimanded by the Home Secretary for seizing a collection of 'golliwog dolls' from a pub in Grays. Officers seized the dolls from the White Hart Inn, on Tuesday, April 4, as part of an investigation into an alleged hate crime.
But the Mail Online claimed that Home Secretary Suella Braverman was unhappy with the force's actions, adding that her feelings had been passed on to Essex Police. The news site quoted a Home Office source as saying police forces "should not be getting involved in this kind of nonsense" and should be "catching criminals".
However, Essex Police has said it has had no contact from Ms Braverman over the investigation. A team of four officers and one tutee attended the pub last week after someone reported being racially harassed, alarmed or distressed by the presence of the dolls.
The dolls are based on 18th-century minstrels and are regarded as racist caricatures. Essex Police said it was working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service on the matter.
The force said: “We are investigating an allegation of hate crime reported to us on February 24. Essex Police have discussed the progression of this case with the Crown Prosecution Service.
“On Tuesday, April 4, officers attended a location off Argent Street, Grays, and seized several items in connection with that investigation. The force is proud of the work we do prevent crime, tackle offenders and build trust and confidence in all communities.”
The owner of the White Hart Inn, Benice Ryley, said the collection of around 30 dolls had been on display for around 10 years. She said she was angry the dolls had been seized.
“They’re my childhood history, it’s a part of our inheritance. I can’t see any harm," she said. “I really am angry because what they’ve taken away is valuable.”
Pictures available online show that the dolls were displayed around the bar and on the shelves.
Ms Ryley denied allegations of racism, adding that the pub often hosts Indian weddings. She said: "I don’t know how they can find it offensive. If they don’t like it, they don’t have to come through the door.”
No arrests have been made in relation to the police investigation. Mrs Ryley's husband, Chris, is set to be questioned by police when he returns to the UK in May.
