PEOPLE worried about law and order issues in Hampshire are being given a chance to question the county’s new police chief.

Michael Lane, the recently-elected police and crime commissioner, is attending the first day of the New Forest and Hampshire County Show at New Park, Brockenhurst, on Tuesday.

Mr Lane could face questions about the new figures showing that almost 55,000 crimes went unsolved in the county last year.

As revealed in yesterday’s Daily Echo a total of 133,044 offences were committed in the 12 months to March 2016, compared to 111,836 the year before.

But 54,650 of the crimes recorded in 2015-2016 were left unsolved when investigations were concluded as a result of no suspect being identified.

Mr Lane, below, who has so far made no public comment on the figures, was elected in May, with incumbent Simon Hayes beaten into third place.

Daily Echo:

The former navy commodore vowed to listen to residents as he took control of a £300 million budget - plus the power to hire and fire chief constables.

Mr Lane will be based in the countryside arena at the show for most of the day.

His spokesman said: “The commissioner wants to speak to residents from across the county. They are encouraged to provide their views on rural crime issues that affect them.”

Mr Lane added: “I look forward to meeting people and hearing their views on rural, community and safety issues.”

The commissioner is expected take a keen interest in the star attraction at this year’s show.

The Metropolitan Mounted Police will be staging their activity ride, which involves horses jumping through rings of fire, leaping through paper walls and performing other stunts.

During their display the riders will remove their jackets, stirrups and finally their saddles as their horses continue to leap over bush jumps.

Show secretary Denis Dooley said: “We are tremendously excited to have the Metropolitan Police performing at the show.

“With improved seating and increased viewing around the ring we hope everyone attending will be able to enjoy this truly spectacular event.”