North West police officer suspected of vandalising colleague's personal property with a swastika

A police officer in Manchester is suspected of vandalising a colleague’s belongings with a swastika.
By Matthew Calderbank
Published 20th Jul 2020, 07:47 BST
Updated 20th Jul 2020, 08:29 BST
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Greater Manchester Police said it has launched an “internal investigation” after the “disgraceful and disgusting act”, which has been declared a hate crime and a critical incident.

Detectives and professional standards are treating the incident “incredibly seriously” after the unnamed officer began his or her shift on Sunday (July 19) to find the Nazi symbol etched onto their personal items.

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Assistant Chief Constable Mabs Hussain said: "I can wholeheartedly say that we are appalled that one of our employees felt that this behaviour was acceptable.

The incident is being treated as a hate crime and a critical incident by GMPThe incident is being treated as a hate crime and a critical incident by GMP
The incident is being treated as a hate crime and a critical incident by GMP

"A colleague has been subjected to a hate crime and there is no place for behaviour like this in GMP or policing nationally, and it’s being treated incredibly seriously.

"We serve one of the most culturally diverse areas in the United Kingdom and we’re incredibly proud to have a diverse workforce to serve and represent our communities.

"It is absolutely unacceptable that an officer has been faced with such an atrocity during their shift and we’re urging any officers or staff with any information to report it.

“We are currently supporting the officer and I have spoken to the officer on a number of occasions today to update them on our investigation and offer them further support."