US Sheriff's Bid to Find Policeman

A retired US deputy sheriff has written to people in West Somerset asking for help to find out more about a 19th Century West Country policeman.

Mackenzie Allen of Tacoma, Washington, bought a clock with a plaque dedicated to Mr William Uriah Self, Supt of Police, Williton District, dated 1885.

Mr Allen, now an antiques dealer, was so intrigued by the dedication he kept the clock rather than selling it on.

He hopes someone will recognise the name and solve the mystery.

"As William Uriah Self rose to be a Superintendent of Police, they shouldn't be too worried about rattling any skeletons in their family cupboards," Pete Hughes, Community Safety Liaison Officer of the Williton branch of the council said.

If anybody can rescue Mr Self from the mists of time and end Mr Allen's search they are asked to contact Stacey Beaumont at West Somerset council.