MP criticises police for child welfare check at farm

MP for Thirsk and Malton, Kevin Hollinrake, has criticised North Yorkshire Police for “irrational policing” after an officer carried out child welfare checks during a visit to discuss a potential burglary at the farm. 

In a video on X, the MP says the farming family had heard noises outside their house in the late evening on 16^th November, and the next day found some keys that did not belong to them, as well as signs of disturbance in the buildings. 

During a police visit at around 10.30pm, the officer reportedly asked questions about the family’s two teenage children, inspected their bedrooms and checked the fridge and pantry to ensure there was sufficient food. 

The officer also submitted a public protection notice (PPN).

Kevin Hollinrake sent a letter to North Yorkshire Police asking for a full internal review, confirmation of the legal basis for the child welfare check and clarification on the social services referral. 

“Strong odour and dirty surfaces”

In a response to his letter, the force said the officer had noted ‘a strong odour and that the property appeared unclean, with sticky and dirty surfaces and floors’.

In a statement, Catherine Clarke, assistant chief constable for local policing & safeguarding, said:

‘Whilst at the address, the officer became concerned about the living conditions and possible health implications for children living there and, in line with their training, displayed appropriate professional curiosity to explore their concerns.

‘The officer checked on the children in person as they are trained to do, before submitting a balanced PPN explaining their concerns about living conditions and possible health implications, but also stating the children appeared well cared for.’

She said the officer ‘did the right thing in this circumstance’.

The assistant chief constable added: ‘We fully appreciate that police officers asking questions about the welfare of children may feel intrusive, however we would never apologise for taking a child-centred approach and for being proactive in ensuring that the wellbeing of children is protected.

‘All of our officers and the public should be able to raise a welfare concern where appropriate for it to be properly assessed by qualified professionals. We would encourage this to ensure the most vulnerable in society remain protected from harm.’

Speaking on X, Mr Hollinrake said he wanted the police to “focus on their day job, which is catching criminals, charging them, and making sure they are prosecuted and jailed”. He said he would be writing to the chief constable again to that effect.

I was contacted recently by a local family, after a deeply concerning police visit following an attempted burglary at their house.

I have great respect for our police, but policing must focus on catching criminals – not targeting law-abiding families.

My correspondence to North… pic.twitter.com/ghRVDdCjvI

— Kevin Hollinrake MP (@kevinhollinrake) January 24, 2026

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