POLICE confiscated three gollies from a Bromyard shop after consulting with 'inter-agency groups' and a 'diversity directorate' to confirm the toys were offensive to some people.

When asked to explain what the diversity directorate was, the police described it as an internal body and would not say which inter-agency groups were involved in the decision.

Responding to a complaint from Bromyard resident Andrew Edwards about the gollies confiscation, police complaints and misconduct process manager Philip Purslow said they had received a "genuine" complaint from someone who found the gollies "racially offensive and insulting".

Despite Mr Edwards stating that he wanted to make a formal complaint about the police officer involved, as well as any superior officers who condoned the actions, the police refused to record the complaint as a conduct matter.

Instead it has been recorded as a "direction and control" complaint.

A force spokesperson said: "As the investigation has now concluded and no further action is to be taken, West Mercia Constabulary considers the matter to be closed and has no further comment to make."