Discussion group links lawyers who act against police

Solicitors in the north west of England have set up a group to link lawyers and legal advisers in the region who bring civil actions against the police.

After the success of the Police Action Lawyers Group in London, Joanne Kearsley of Blackburn firm Farleys and Mark Lees of Manchester-based Beesleys, wrote to firms in the area - and the response was such that the group's first meeting was recently held in Blackburn.Mr Lees said that for such a niche area it was impractical to travel to London to share ideas.

'Around 20 firms expressed interest in forming the discussion group and we hope more will follow before our second meeting in Manchester in a few weeks,' he said.Mr Lees said there has been a marked growth in this area as 'people are becoming wiser to the fact that they can complain against the police'.

He added: 'Due to greater publicity of human rights and cases such as the Lawrence enquiry - the police are coming under greater scrutiny.'Andrew Towler