Police trials

Northumbria Police have tracked down an armed man accused of killing someone, with brave officers risking their lives in the search (your reports).

When Raoul Moat was finally cornered and failed to immediately surrender, they did not shoot him dead instantly, but instead tried everything in their power to save this man from himself, putting themselves in further danger in the process.

I hope that none of these courageous policemen and women and their anxious families had the misfortune to listen to Radio 4's PM report of the incident on Friday. From beginning to end, the police were in the dock, facing scepticism and criticism of their handling of the affair. Everyone involved in protecting local people and hunting this man must now be fearful of the impending investigations and parallel trial by media.

They might wish they had entered radio journalism instead, critically commentating on the noble endeavours of others, while dismissing one's own gaffes with a winsome light-hearted apology.

RICHARD LUCAS

Cowan Road

Shandon, Edinburgh