The chief constable of Hertfordshire has told a journalist wrongly arrested while covering Just Stop Oil protests he is “truly sorry”.

Hertfordshire Constabulary was heavily criticised after LBC reporter Charlotte Lynch was detained for hours on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance – despite showing officers officially recognised media accreditation.

She had been reporting on the activists from an M25 road bridge between Watford and St Albans on November 8. 

Read more: Five charged by Herts Police as Just Stop Oil 'halt' M25 protests

Read more: Police boss questions M25 protests coverage after journalist arrests

Cambridgeshire Police reviewed the actions and found officers involved in the arrest of Ms Lynch and two other media members "lacked an understanding" of the media's role in protests.

Two had also not completed mandatory media training.

Chief constable Charlie Hall’s letter said: “He ultimately concludes that your arrest was not justified and that changes in training and command need to be made.”

It continued: “Whilst policing public order incidents is fraught with difficulty and there was no malicious intent from my officers, on this occasion we clearly got things wrong.

“I recognise the significant impact that an arrest can have, and on behalf of my organisation I am truly sorry.”

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

To receive breaking news alerts or newsletters sign up here.

Check out our Watford crime and court Facebook page here.