ESSEX Police’s top cop says he has significant concerns over a “bizarre” court ruling which means serious criminals could escape prosecution.

Chief Constable Jim Baker-McCardle, who is also the Association of Chief Police Officers spokesman on the issue, said the police will no longer be able to release suspects on bail for more the 96 hours if they are not in a position to charge them.

The ruling, made by a district judge at Salford Magistrates’ Court, and backed by the High Court, means an end to the common practice in major inquiries of releasing people on bail and calling them back later for further questioning.

After four days, officers can no longer question suspects and can only re-arrest them if they have new evidence.

Mr Barker-McCardle said: “This ruling has a profound impact on how the police have investigated crime under a legal framework interpreted and used during the last 25 years.

“Unless overturned, the indications are its effect is that police can no longer put anyone out on bail for more than 96 hours without either being in a position to charge or release.

“We are working in partnership with colleagues across the criminal justice system, including the Crown Prosecution Service and Home Office, to determine a sensible way forward and seek to reduce any immediate impact.

“Chief officers have significant concerns as to the effect it will have on policing.”

Other police chiefs described the ruling as “bizarre” and Home Secretary Theresa May said she would look at whether it is necessary to introduce emergency legislation to deal with this issue.