ONE of Oxford’s oldest surviving police officers believes he has solved the mystery of a photograph appearing to show a black officer on the city beat almost 100 years ago.

The photo, which was found in the Oxford Mail archives, was taken in Blue Boar Street at about the time of the First World War.

Eric Tucker, 95, who joined Oxford City Police in 1936 and is one of only two surviving officers who served before the Second World War, saw the image in the Oxford Mail and believes it is Pc Ernest Page, who served in Oxford between 1909 and 1936, and is white.

His identification has been backed by retired Oxford police officer Geoff Rose, 77, who spent 18 months researching the mystery photo while compiling a pictorial history of Oxford police in the 1970s. He believes poor exposure or a trick of the light makes the officer appear black.

Mr Tucker’s son Roger, chairman of the Oxford City Police Association, said: “When my father saw the Oxford Mail he knew he recognised the man.”

Pc Page was born around 1888 in Littleworth, near Faringdon, and joined Oxford City Police in 1909.

He fought in the First World War then rejoined the force in 1919 until retirement in 1936.

Mr Page stayed in contact with the city’s police officers, including a young Eric Tucker, while working at a High Street newsagent.

Mr Rose, of Kennington, who served in the force from 1958-78, interviewed dozens of ex-officers and relatives after spotting the mystery photo.

He said: “When I first looked at it I thought he was black. When I spoke to retired officers and relations, no-one could remember.

“Having seen the photograph and talked to people during the 18 months of compiling this book I was convinced there was nothing more in it.

“If there had been a black officer during that period someone in the force would remember because everyone would have been talking about it.”

Sgt Peter Reid was Oxford’s first black officer when he joined the force in 1985.

Norwell Roberts was lauded as Britain's first black police officer when he joined the Metropolitan Police in 1967. But recent research revealed Pc John Kent, the son of a West Indian slave, was the country’s first ethnic minority police officer – in Carlisle, Cumbria, in 1837.

Did you know Pc Ernest Page? If so call our newsdesk on 01865 425445.

mwilkinson@oxfordmail.co.uk