The performance of Oxfordshire’s police has been rated ‘fair’ by Government inspectors.

Thames Valley Police is ranked in the lower half of 42 forces across England and Wales in a report released by Her Majesty’s Government Inspectorate today.

Inspectors criticised the force's record for solving crime, ranking it ‘poor’.

The force received ‘poor’ for satisfaction levels among ethnic minorities, but scored ‘excellent’ for cutting road deaths and injuries.

In the 19 other crime-related categories Thames Valley was ranked ‘fair’ or ‘meeting the standard’.

Inspectors rated the force ‘medium’ for value for money.

Chief Constable Sara Thornton has responded to the report saying she is concerned about poor levels of solving crimes and demanded improvement.