Home Secretary David Blunkett was refusing to give way last night in the face of fierce criticism of his handling of the Soham inquiry.

Both Kevin Wells, father of victim Holly Wells, and former top policeman Lord Mackenzie opposed his proposed action to sack Humberside Chief Constable David Westwood.

Mr Blunkett is preparing to launch a legal battle this week to force Humberside Police Authority to suspend Mr Westwood from his post despite counter-claims he is being made a scapegoat.

High Court action is expected in the next few days if the authority does not back down today and comply with Mr Blunkett's demand.

The Bichard Inquiry last week blamed Mr Westwood after his force's failings allowed serial sex attacker Ian Huntley to get a job as a school caretaker in the Cambridgeshire village.

He went on to murder ten-year-old Holly and her friend, Jessica Chapman, in August 2002.

It later emerged that Humberside had failed to tell Cambridgeshire Police about earlier allegations that Huntley was a serial sex attacker.

But Lord Mackenzie, a former Durham force chief superintendent, said Mr Blunkett's department must bear some responsibility for the shortcomings in police intelligence procedures.

"I don't think that taking one head resolves the problem," he said.

The embattled police chief also received support from Mr Wells, who said it would be a "travesty" if Mr Westwood lost his job.

Mr Wells told the Mail on Sunday: "We have always understood Mr Westwood to have our best interests at heart."

But the Home Secretary stood by his decision and said he was aware of Mr Wells' opinions before he made his call for the policeman to go.

Mr Blunkett said yesterday: "Kevin Wells and I had a private meeting several months ago in which he made clear his view that Mr Westwood is a decent man who, together with (Cambridgeshire) Chief Constable Tom Lloyd, has shown both families considerable kindness.

"However, I firmly believe that the Home Secretary's response to a report as serious as the Bichard Inquiry must be driven by the findings of Sir Michael Bichard."