Category: Deputy Commissioner

The image shows a group of six people standing in front of an Apache helicopter. Three of the six people pictured are in Surrey Police uniform. At the centre of the group, is Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, wearing pink, and Claire Lilly, who wears sunglasses and a tan coat. The image was taken at the Army Training Centre in Pirbright.

Deputy Commissioner says Forcer Protocol to find missing veterans is “fundamentally the right thing” for Surrey

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Surrey’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner said a scheme that will help police officers find vulnerable military veterans who have gone missing is “fundamentally the right thing” for the county. 

Ellie Vesey-Thompson spoke at the Surrey Armed Forces Covenant Conference, which took place at the Army Training Centre in Pirbright yesterday, to mark the launch of the Forcer Protocol in Surrey. 

She was joined by Surrey Police Superintendent Matt Barcraft-Barnes, Chief Inspector Tom Renwick, and Claire Lilly, whose former husband took his own life after going missing in May 2020. 

Dad-of-three Lance Corporal Alan Forcer suffered with complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after serving in Northern Ireland and Kosovo.

New protocol

Claire and her son Josh have campaigned tirelessly to bring the Forcer Protocol to police forces across the country. The scheme aims to ensure that no veteran is left without any necessary intervention in moments of crisis. 

Veterans, reservists and anyone serving in the forces, as well as their family members, friends and services supporting them, can now complete a form which records information that could be helpful if they go missing. 

The form allows police to respond quickly and efficiently if needed. 

Addressing the conference, Ellie, who holds responsibility for military personnel and veterans, said: “Someone is reported missing in the UK around once every 90 seconds. 

“Found too late”

“Some of them come home of their own accord. Some are never found. Not all of them will receive the same policing response. 

“Sadly, some of these people are found when it is too late. Preventing suicide and harm by finding people who have gone missing as quickly as possible is the best thing for them, for their family and friends, for Surrey residents, and for our officers. 

“Any tool that can assist with finding those in crisis is worth it. It means people like Claire and Josh won’t have to hear the worst news of their lives. 

“It is fundamentally the right thing to do.” 

Not alone

Surrey Police already uses the Herbert Protocol, a similar system designed to locate people who are living with dementia. Both protocols securely store relevant information relating to the missing individual. 

Claire said her former husband wanted people to know they “weren’t alone in their struggles”. 

“To honour the legacy of our Lance Corporal Alan Forcer, on behalf of our family and the wider community, means more than words can ever truly express,” she said.

“Your support ensures that his name, his values and his service continue to make a lasting difference.

“Incredible work”

“Here’s to Surrey Police and all the incredible work you do.

“We are deeply, deeply grateful.”

In 2021, there were 253 suicides among veterans – five a week in England and Wales. Drug and alcohol misuse and unemployment are particular risk factors. 

For more information or to sign up for yourself, a friend or a family member, register here. 

Two people hold posters and smile directly at the camera. On the left is Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, a blonde woman in a pink blouse and black trousers. On the right is Chief Inspector Tom Renwick, who wears a shirt and tie. In their hands are posters advertising the Forcer Protocol, which aims to help police find missing veterans promptly.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson and Chief Inspector Tom Renwick launch the Forcer Protocol, which aims to help police find missing veterans promptly, at the Surrey Armed Forces Covenant Conference

The image shows, on left, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, a blonde woman wearing a pink and red Christmas jumper with Santa's face on, and on right, Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman wearing a white Christmas jumper which reads 'sleigh bells ring'. Both women are sitting on sofas opposite each other with their hands clasped and legs folded. They are looking into the camera and smiling. Directly behind them is a blazing fireplace with Christmas decorations on the mantelpiece.

Commissioner and Deputy share winning artwork from their annual Christmas card competition

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A festive design by a nine-year-old boy from Surrey has been sent to MPs, charity leaders, local councillors – and even the Prime Minister. 

The image, which features tidings of joy for towns and villages across the county, was sent to Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend as part of her annual Christmas card competition. 

It was drawn by a youngster who is supported by the South West Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (SWSDAS). 

He has been awarded a £100 Amazon voucher, while his artwork has been turned into a festive card which has been posted to hundreds of people this Christmas.

SWSDAS receives funding from the Commissioner. 

Lisa and her Deputy Commissioner, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, opened the competition to every child and young person involved with a youth service in Surrey. 

It is the fourth time they have launched the contest. Previous winners include a seven-year-old schoolboy from Reigate and a young person supported by Catch22, a charity working with children suffering criminal exploitation.  

Lisa has a dedicated £275,000 fund specifically for initiatives and organisations that support children and young people. 

Christmas joy

She said: “It’s always such a delight to share the winning design for my annual Christmas card. 

“I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to draw pictures and send them in to the office. 

“I have always considered myself extremely lucky to serve as Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, and that’s never more true than when I receive the submissions for the Christmas card competition. 

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank those who work for Surrey Police for their tireless efforts to keep us all safe, and to wish everyone a very happy Christmas.” 

Winning design

Ellie said: “We both loved the winning design, which will be on mantlepieces and tables around the country this Christmas. 

“On the back of the card, we’ve shared the best ways to get in touch with Surrey Police, so this is one card that might still be in people’s homes long into the new year.” 

The image shows the word 'Merry Christmas' in gold bubble letters, and 'from Surrey' in green. Inside the bubble letters are the names of some Surrey towns and villages.

The winning design has been made into a Christmas card

Anti-social behaviour, hate crime and safety at night: The big issues for Surrey’s young people

Posted on | by Alex Winter

MORE than 1,600 children and young people from across Surrey have had their say on the crime and policing issues that matter most to them. 

Anti-social behaviour, safety at night, hate crime and mental health were among the key issues raised at the Surrey Youth Commission’s annual Big Conversation Conference last week. 

The forum, funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and led by Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, aims to put youth voice at the heart of policing in Surrey. 

Members of the Youth Commission consulted peers for their views on a range of topics. Events were held at venues including the University of Surrey, the YMCA, Friday Night Projects at youth clubs, and Surrey Police’s Neighbourhood Conference. 



Youth voice

The findings were presented at an event attended by representatives from Surrey Police, as well as a wide range of partners including the NHS, local authorities, and charities.  

Over the course of the coming year, the Commission will work with partners to deliver campaigns based on their priorities. 

The Deputy Commissioner said: “I am once again really impressed by, and proud of, our Youth Commission members for the incredible amount of work they have done to identify the top issues affecting their peers. 

“Their findings provide us with an invaluable picture of how young people really feel about living in Surrey. This is an age group that often feels as if their voices go unheard. 

“We care very deeply”

“There is a common misconception that young people need to be treated differently, or that their concerns are somehow unique or different.  

“However, I know that what matters to young people is often the same as what matters to residents of all ages.

“Many of the priorities highlighted by the Youth Commission this year align with the concerns I hear from residents of all ages across the county. 

“The turnout at the Big Conversation Conference shows how many of us from policing and other services care very deeply about supporting these young people in making positive change.

Deputy’s pride

“I look forward to seeing what we can help them achieve next year. 

“Everyone involved should be proud of the work they have achieved this year. I am very proud of them.” 

Former Youth Commission member Zara Wainwright, who now helps to manage the group in Surrey, said: “We are building our relationships in the county to connect with more young people than ever before. 

“We received more than 1,600 responses this year, and we’re so grateful to everyone who contributed through peer-to-peer discussions, online surveys, and our interactive workshops designed to spark real conversations.” 

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, a blonde woman in a navy dress, stands in front of a window that bears a Surrey Police logo. She looks directly into the camera with a slight smile.

“We all have a part to play”: Deputy Commissioner shares modern slavery ‘red flags’

Posted on | by Alex Winter

EVERY Surrey resident has a part to play in tackling modern slavery, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson has said. 

Speaking on Anti-Slavery Day, which takes place each year on October 18, Ellie said victims are often “hidden in plain sight”.  

Many will have been forced into commercial work of any kind. However, common examples include on fishing boats, in sex work, in nail bars and at car washes. 

Surrey’s roads network is often utilised by traffickers because it is a main arterial route from the Channel ports. 

Three suspected victims from Vietnam were found in a lorry at a Surrey service station. One had been strapped into a concealed compartment so tightly that he needed to be cut free. 

They had been surviving on just bread and water for more than a week. 

Anti-slavery charity Unseen says the economic cost of modern slavery reached an estimated £210million in 2024 – enough to fund the recruitment of 7,500 new police officers.

“Inhumane”

Ellie said: “The conditions experienced by modern slavery victims across the UK are nothing short of inhumane. 

“By looking out for red flags that someone is being exploited by a criminal, we can all help to prevent this abhorrent practice. 

“Sadly, Surrey’s roads networks, as well as the county’s proximity to Channel ports, make it a popular route for people traffickers. 

“Between January 2023 and 2025, the Force recorded 26 cases of people being found in a lorry or confirmed to be involved in a ‘drop’. 

Red flags

“Victims are often hidden in plain sight. They may be living in fear or feel dependent on those exploiting them. Some may not even understand that they’re being exploited. 

“If you think someone is being exploited in this way, never directly confront the potential victim or the person in charge. 

“Instead, please call the police when it is safe to do so. 

“We all have a part to play in looking out for society’s most vulnerable members.” 

What to look out for

Victims of modern slavery may: 

  • Be scared to talk to people 
  • Avoid eye contact 
  • Have physical injuries or bruises 
  • Wear the same clothes every day, particularly if they’re dirty or unsuitable for the weather or the type of work being carried out 
  • Look malnourished or ill 
  • Work unusual or very long hours 
  • Not know the area where they live or work 
  • Not be allowed out alone 
  • Not have ID or a passport 
  • Not be in control of their earnings 

If someone is in immediate danger, or a crime is happening in front of you, always call 999. Otherwise, you can report via 101. 

The Modern Slavery Helpline can be contacted on 0800 0121 700. 

The photo shows Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, a blonde woman in a striped shirt and jeans, sitting on a rock with a river in the background. She is looking at the camera and smiling. Visible in the distance is Chertsey Bridge.

Cygnet shot dead in catapult attack as crime network backs Deputy Commissioner’s calls for change

Posted on | by Alex Winter

VOLUNTEERS working to rehabilitate Surrey wildlife after “devastating” catapult attacks say tighter legislation is urgently needed to tackle criminality. 

In the spring, Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson urged ministers to give police greater powers to crack down on those who use catapults as weapons. 

Since publishing her letter, which can be read here, she has received support from two swan rescues and the National Rural Crime Network (NRCN). Tim Passmore, chair of the NRCN, said it is time to send a “clear message”. 

Meanwhile, on visits to the Shepperton Swan Sanctuary in Spelthorne, Ellie has discussed the issue further with those who care for wounded birds. 

The Deputy wants catapults to be treated similarly to knives – putting the onus on any carrier to prove they have a good reason to carry such a weapon, rather than the police to have evidence of unlawful intention. 

Deputy’s call

This week, the BBC is airing a documentary on the harms caused by catapult use.  

Danni Rogers, who gives his time to rescuing birds for the Shepperton Swan Sanctuary, launched a petition on the issue. It received more than 20,000 signatures. 

He told Ellie: “Swans, geese, ducks and domestic animals including cats are being shot and killed in Surrey. 

“I was called to a rescue recently that involved a family of 10 swans – mum and dad and eight cygnets. On the first occasion, one of the swans had fishing line around its leg, which I quickly resolved before spending some time feeding the family. 

“The following day, I was called again as one of the cygnets had been found dead just 50 feet away. It had been shot in the head, suffering a high-velocity, single-impact injury. 

“It’s absolutely devastating to attend incidents like these.” 

Ellie said: “Just one attack is too many, but by mid-summer, the Shepperton Swan Sanctuary had rescued around 30 wounded birds, and even more are believed to have been killed by catapults. 

“There can be a misconception that what we’re talking about is a stick fitted with an elastic band. Catapults can actually be very high-powered, accurate weapons, which are cheap and easy to buy online. 

“For less than £20, anyone can purchase a large catapult with a pistol grip handle, capable of firing with a high degree of accuracy, as well as 100 ball bearings.  

“Abhorrent”

“Using a catapult to target wildlife and property is not only unacceptable; it’s abhorrent. 

“I have asked the Government to look at changing the legislation surrounding the carrying of catapults to bring it in line with laws around carrying knives. 

“This would recognise the significant damage these weapons could cause.  

“I am determined to continue campaigning for change. This issue matters to Surrey’s residents, and it matters to Surrey Police.” 

A group of people stand facing the camera. All have their hands clasped in front of them, and all are smiling. Five of the six people pictured are police officers and PCSOs in Surrey Police uniform. The last person pictured wears a blue dress.

Rural communities gather to discuss crime and policing at two landmark meetings

Posted on | by Alex Winter

FARMERS, equestrians, anglers, landowners, and representatives from rural organisations have joined Surrey’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner at two landmark meetings this month.

Ellie Vesey-Thompson and Surrey Police’s Rural Crime Tactical Lead, Chief Inspector Chris Tinney, hosted two Rural Crime Forum events for rural communities during September. 

The first, a public meeting in Busbridge, Waverley, drew in around 50 attendees who were invited to discuss issues of concern. 

Poaching, unauthorised encampments, recent arrests, anti-social behaviour and police’s relationships with the community were among the topics raised during the evening. 

Landmark meetings

Attendees were then invited to chat to PCs and PCSOs from Waverley and Guildford who had attended to support the event. 

A week later, Ellie and Ch Insp Tinney invited partners from the National Farmers Union (NFU), the Country, Land and Business Association (CLA), the National Trust, the Environment Agency and the British Association for Shooting and Conservancy (BASC) to discuss the matters raised. 

Further forum events are planned, and Ch Insp Tinney said he will remain focused on policing rural issues including poaching, reducing anti-social behaviour, acquisitive crime, and waste crime, including large-scale flytipping. 

The Deputy Commissioner, who leads on rural crime for the Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I understand the challenges our rural communities face and how impactful crime can be. 

“Under-reported”

“Rural crime can be complex, is not always well-understood, and can often go under-reported.  

“I often visit rural communities through my work, and it is of key importance to me that those who live and work in Surrey’s countryside are given the opportunity to have their say.

“This is why I have established Surrey’s Rural Crime Forum.

“During the public meeting, members of these communities told me about the issues that concern them most, and I am grateful to all those who took the time to join us on the evening. 

Problem-solving

“These issues were then discussed at the partner meeting that took place at Mount Browne the following week.

“This second meeting enables better co-operation with partners to help us problem-solve together, and ultimately improve lives in our rural communities.

“I hope these meetings will reassure residents that Surrey Police takes rural crime seriously, and that their reports matter. 

“I look forward to providing further updates in the coming months.”

Read more about Ellie’s work:

On left, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, and on right, Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend. Both are standing in front of a Christmas tree and wearing red. They are holding up a Christmas card with a hand-drawn snowman picture on the front.

Commissioner’s Christmas card competition opens with call to young artists in Surrey

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Summer may just be coming to an end, but if you’re anything like Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, yule already be thinking about Christmas. 

Lisa Townsend and her Deputy, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, are today launching their annual Christmas competition – and they’re looking for a brilliant young artist to design their festive cards. 

Children working with any of Surrey’s youth services are invited to put pen, pencil or paintbrush to A4 paper and submit their creative ho-ho-holiday designs by Friday, 31st October 2025. 

This year’s theme is ‘Christmas in Surrey’. The winner will receive a £100 Amazon voucher, and their design will be sent to MPs, leaders in public service and charitable sectors, local councillors – and even the Prime Minister. 

Any child or young person involved with a Surrey youth service can enter the competition. That includes those who: 

  • Attend any youth club or project in the county 
  • Require additional SEND support 
  • Are members of any YMCA programme 
  • Have received help from Mindworks Surrey 
  • Are involved in any youth-based organisation, such as the Surrey Youth Cabinet 

It also includes those involved with organisations that the Commissioner and her team help to fund. 

These include mental health charity Eikon, Catch22, an organisation supporting young people at risk of criminal exploitation, and the Surrey Youth Commission, which allows its members to have their say on crime and policing issues. 

“The most wonderful time”

Lisa, who helps to fund a range of organisations through her Children and Young People’s Fund, said: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year when Ellie and I choose our winner for the annual Christmas card competition. 

“I’d urge everyone involved with any of Surrey’s youth services to create a design for us. 

“We are very excited to see this year’s entries.” 

It’s the fourth time the Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner have opened a competition to Surrey’s young people. 

Last year’s winner, seven-year-old Felix, painted a cheerful snowman, and was rewarded with a family trip to Bockett’s Farm. 

Competition launches

In previous years, children supported by services commissioned by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner were asked to submit their designs. 

In 2022, a girl supported by domestic abuse charity I Chose Freedom was the winner, and the following year, a young person who attends Catch-22’s Music To My Ears Programme submitted the winning design. 

Ellie, who has responsibility for the office’s focus on children and young people and leads the Surrey Youth Commission, said: “The Commissioner and I look forward to this competition throughout the year. 

“I encourage all Surrey residents to share this competition widely. 

“The standard of entries has been consistently high for the past four years, and we’re sure to see some brilliant artworks in 2025 too.” 

How to enter

Paper pictures sent by post are preferred. Pictures can also be accepted via email, although the original must be supplied if requested by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. 

Postal entries should be addressed to: The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, 3, The Drive, Sandy Lane, Guildford, Surrey, GU3 1HE. 

Email entries should be submitted to ChristmasPCC@surrey.police.uk 

You’ll need to include your name, age, the details of a parent or guardian’s name, and a contact number or email address so we can ask for permission to use your design. 

For more information, visit surrey-pcc.gov.uk/christmas2025 

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, a blonde woman, stands against a five bar gate. She wears a Barbour jacket in green, jeans, and Hunter wellington boots. Behind her are sheep.

“Your reports matter”: Deputy Commissioner launches Rural Crime Forum with Surrey Police

Posted on | by Alex Winter

THOSE who live and work in the Surrey countryside are invited to share their concerns on rural and wildlife crime at a new forum next month. 

The first Rural Crime Forum, hosted by Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson and Surrey Police leads, will take place in Busbridge, Godalming on Monday, September 15. 

During the evening, members of the public will have the opportunity to talk to the team about the issues that most concern them. 

Ellie, who is on the board of the National Rural Crime Network, holds the rural crime remit for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey. 

Rural crime forum launches

She has recently written to the Home Secretary to call for legislation around catapult ownership and use to be tightened so police are able to take effective action. 

Earlier this summer, Ellie also raised awareness of the dangers of livestock worrying by dogs, a key concern for farmers in Surrey, and she has previously warned of the links between organised criminality and thefts from farms. 

She said: “Rural crime is not always well-understood, but it can have a grave impact on wider society. 

“I often visit rural communities through my work, and I am aware that theft, anti-social behaviour, trespass, fly-tipping and livestock worrying are among the most serious concerns. 

Have your say

“It is crucial that those who live and work in Surrey’s countryside are given the opportunity to have their say. 

“I am often told that those impacted by rural crime feel there is little point in reporting. It is true that more must be done to tackle criminality impacting our countryside in Surrey. 

“But I hope that this forum will reassure residents that we do take rural crime seriously, and that their reports matter. 

“During the evening, those who attend will have the opportunity to speak to senior leaders from Surrey Police and hear more about the work that is going on in our countryside. 

“Distressing”

“Being a victim of any crime can be hugely distressing and isolating, a reaction that is often pronounced in more remote rural communities. 

“Rural and agricultural crime affects more than just its immediate victims. It can impact jobs, the environment and the economy. 

“The theft of high-value equipment has also been linked to organised criminality, resulting in huge profits to some of society’s worst offenders. 

“If you live or work in a rural community, we welcome you to the first Rural Crime Forum.” 

The event will take place at Busbridge Village Hall between 6pm and 7.30pm. Sign up by following this link.

This graphic has a green background with the logo for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner on it. To the left is a stripe of yellow. The text reads: "Surrey Rural Crime Forum. Busbridge Village Hall. Monday September 15, 6pm-7.30pm. Sign up here: surreyruralcrmeforum.eventbrite.co.uk." The image also features the logos for Surrey's Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner and Surrey Police, as well as an image of a landscape at Box Hill in Surrey.
The image shows a group of people looking at the camera. Most are wearing a high-visibility uniform. They are the Surrey Search and Rescue volunteers. Also among the group are two blonde women wearing jeans and jackets. These women are Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson. Everyone is looking at the camera and smiling. They are standing in a concrete car park, and it is night time.

The volunteers making a life-or-death difference to some of Surrey’s vulnerable missing people

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A team of specially-trained volunteers – and their dogs – are on call in Surrey 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to search for lost or missing people.

Surrey Search and Rescue is one of the busiest lowland teams in the UK, and their work can make a life-or-death difference to the county’s most vulnerable residents.

Volunteers, all of whom are members of the public, are trained to give first aid to those in need before evacuating them to safety.

Searches can be carried out across a range of terrain, including woodland, farmland, in urban environments, and near water. There is also an aerial capacity using drones.

Around 80 people volunteer their time to the organisation, helping to search for some of the 2,100 people who go missing in Surrey each year.

In late July, Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson joined the team for a training exercise in woodland near Guildford.

During the evening, volunteers trained their dogs to search over large distances. Both Lisa and Ellie were recruited to hide in the woods for the dogs to find.

The Commissioner said: “This voluntary specialist search team support Surrey Police and other emergency services to find missing vulnerable adults and children.

“No matter the time of day or night, teams respond as quickly as possible to minimise the time a person is at risk.

Unsung heroes

“They operate in farmland, urban areas and woodland, while some volunteers specialise in water rescues and search dog training.

“Surrey Search and Rescue relies wholly on donations, and the work of these unsung heroes is absolutely invaluable.

“Seeing the team in action has been fantastic, and although we’ve had just a brief glimpse of the challenges they face, it’s so impressive to see their professionalism and dedication.”

Ellie said: “I’d like to thank everyone who gives their time to Surrey Search and Rescue to support the emergency services and help save the lives of some truly vulnerable people.”

Deputy Commissioner honours first Surrey Constabulary officer to die in the line of duty

Posted on | by Chantal Robehmed
Image shows a bouquet of white flowers and a note which reads: "With eternal gratitude for your hard work keeping Surrey safe, and the ultimate sacrifice you made in doing so. Lisa Townsend, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, and all at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner."

Wednesday, July 30 marks the 170th anniversary of the death of the first police officer from Surrey Constabulary killed in the line of duty.

Deputy Commissioner, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, joined serving and retired police officers, town councillors and local residents to commemorate Inspector William Donaldson. 

The memorial service, held annually on the last Sunday of July on Memorial Green in Haslemere, was also attended by Inspector Donaldson’s great-great-grandchildren, Jane Matthews and Henry Pelham.

Cllr Jacquie Keen MBE, Deputy Mayor of Haslemere, led the service alongside Rev Justin Manley-Cooper and Chair of the Police Remembrance Trust, Rev David Wilbraham.

The picture shows a group of people standing on a green. They include people in formal police dress and a reverend, who is speaking into a microphone.



‘Hero of Haslemere’

Inspector William Donaldson, known as the ‘Hero of Haslemere,’ was violently attacked in Haslemere town centre by a group of railway labourers known as navvies on the night of the July 29 1855. 

Donaldson, along with Constable James Freestone, had been patrolling pubs in the area to check that they were closing in time for the Sabbath. 

Arriving at The King’s Arms, they found a group of navvies celebrating receipt of their fortnightly wages.  When Inspector Donaldson told them to leave, most of them complied except for Thomas Woods, who took offence to having to be forced to depart. 

Groups of navvies were still milling about the town, and when the officers told them to disperse, a brawl started.

During the scuffles, one of the mob, David Smith, was arrested and taken to the town’s lock-up. Angered by the arrest, a group of 30 navvies marched up to Market House – now known as Haslemere Town Hall – and the location of where their friend was being held, demanding his release. 

‘Murder, murder’

When Inspector Donaldson refused, Thomas Woods hit him over the head with an iron bar, causing him to fall to the ground, where he was kicked and stamped on by other attackers in the mob. Constable Freestone was also badly injured but was saved by two local residents who heard his cry of “murder, murder” and came to help. 

Inspector Donaldson was taken to his home, where it is believed that upon seeing his wife Janet at the door, whispered: “My dear wife, I am dying.” These were to be his last words.

Inspector Donaldson died at 3am on July 30 1855 due to a fracture of his skull. He was 47.

Image shows an officer in formal uniform holding a flag. Beside him, Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson - a blonde woman wearing a black dress - kneels to place flowers beside a building.



‘An honour’

The Deputy Commissioner said: “It was an honour to be present at the service to pay my respects and commemorate Inspector Donaldson.

“He is, rightly, remembered now as the ‘Haslemere Hero’ for his dedication to keeping the town safe, for which he made the ultimate sacrifice.

“Remembering William and the bravery shown by him and his colleagues that night brings a stark reminder of the threats our officers still face to this day.

“We remember William alongside the 26 other Surrey officers who have died in the line of duty since, and I am incredibly grateful to the wonderful officers serving our county today, wearing their uniform with pride whilst keeping Surrey safe.

“As with William and James on July 29 1855, our officers continue to run towards danger in order to protect our communities, and I know that William’s sense of service lives on in Surrey Police today.”



‘So proud’

Inspector Donaldson’s great-great-grandson Henry Pelham, 83, said: “He makes me feel so proud, it still brings a lump to my throat.

“There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t mention his name.”

At the service, Henry Pelham presented a cheque for £1,100 to Rev David Wilbraham in support of the Police Remembrance Trust from the proceeds of his book, Inspector William Donaldson 1807 – 1855, The First Surrey Police Officer to be killed in the Line of Duty.

The Police Remembrance Trust is custodian of the UK Police Roll of Honour and records the name of almost 5,000 officers who have died on duty.  There are 27 Surrey police officers recorded on the Roll.

Image shows four people looking into the camera. On the left and right are two people in police uniform holding flags. In the middle is Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, a blonde woman in a black dress, and an officer with medals.