PUB landlords will face no further action for displaying golly dolls behind their bar, prosecutors have decided.

White Hart Inn in Argent Street, Grays, had a collection of 15 dolls received as gifts from customers over the years.

The dolls are based on 18th-century minstrels and are regarded as racist caricatures with officers confiscating them on April 18 following a complaint.

Police investigated and supplied evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) who said it had a ‘duty to make fair and impartial legal decisions’.

A spokesman for the CPS said: “We considered the available evidence and concluded our legal test for a prosecution was not met."

Benice and Chris Ryley were landlords of the pub and at the time defended displaying the dolls, insisting they are "not breaking any laws". 

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"If we were not breaking the law then, why are we breaking the law now?

"It took six officers to come and remove a shelf full of dollies. What a waste of taxpayers’ money.”

Mrs Ryley closed the pub on May 1 following a boycott by brewing companies and maintenance firm Innserve.

Essex Police investigated the incident under section 4A of the Public Order Act 1986 which concerns intentional harassment, alarm or distress.

Officers also enacted section 31 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 – a racially or religiously aggravated public order offence.

Glen Pavelin, assistant Chief Constable at Essex Police, added: “We investigate crimes reported to us without fear or favour.

"This means we are sometimes faced with allegations of crime where people have strong opposing views, but it is the role of policing to remain impartial and investigate allegations raised to us.

"It's our job to support victims, investigate allegations of crime, ensuring we follow all reasonable lines of inquiry."

Admiral Taverns owns the White Hart Inn building and said it planned to reopen the venue under new management.