Finnigan, close up, and with his namesake, the chief constable

A new police horse has been stabled at Lancashire Police’s headquarters on the outskirts of Preston.

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Named after the chief constable Finnigan is a 17.3 hands high black shire gelding.

He’s stabled at Lindle Lane in Hutton and takes his name from the soon to retire chief of police Steve Finnigan.

Mr Finnigan said: “I was genuinely surprised and really touched when the Mounted Branch team said they wanted to name a horse after me.

“I was very taken by the warmth and affection that the branch officers have for their horses and I know Finnigan is in good hands.

“While it is an unexpected honour, I am very pleased to hear the name ‘Finnigan’ will continue to serve Lancashire Police for years to come.”

Finnigan meeting his boss

Finnigan has dropped the name Simon, the he’s had since 2009.

Sgt Christine Driver of the Mounted Branch said: “We usually name our horses after towns and villages in Lancashire but having been our Chief Constable for 11 years we thought it would be nice to remember Mr Finnigan with a suitable horse.

“Finnigan will be out on quiet patrols in the next few weeks, including areas such as Preston, Lytham and St Annes.

“He is very impressive and will hopefully be working at football matches by the end of this year.”

The chief constable is due to retire from the service next year after 40 years as a police officer and 11 as chief constable.