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Coroner Blames Search Officer Shortage in Alan Hirst Case

By Drooid · Oct 6, 2026, 10:26 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Father Steve Hirst accused West Mercia Police of discarding his missing son Alan Hirst.
Alan Hirst, 19, fell from his bike on the flooded A4110 in February, suffering cardiac arrest.
A coroner’s report said a shortage of specialist search officers prevented key decisions from being reviewed.
West Mercia Police announced they will train more officers, with the increase expected in coming months.

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Story summary

Father Steve Hirst accused West Mercia Police of discarding his missing son Alan Hirst.
Alan Hirst, 19, fell from his bike on the flooded A4110 in February, suffering cardiac arrest.
A coroner’s report said a shortage of specialist search officers prevented key decisions from being reviewed.
West Mercia Police announced they will train more officers, with the increase expected in coming months.