Andy Burnham and his deputy mayor who oversees policing have issued a joint statement after an officer was filmed appearing to pull down posters of hostages held by Hamas. Greater Manchester's chief constable has admitted the force 'got it wrong' after a PCSO was filmed taking the posters down on Bury Old Road, at the border of Crumpsall and Prestwich.
The posters showed the faces of some of the Israeli citizens who have been captured as hostages by Hamas during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In a statement issued this afternoon (October 31), mayor Mr Burnham and Kate Green, deputy mayor for police, crime, fire and criminal justice, say they have 'strong concerns' about the posters being pulled down following a 'complaint'.
They said: "We have been in touch with Greater Manchester Police to express our strong concerns about a Police Community Support Officer removing posters of Israeli kidnap victims in North Manchester. We understand this occurred in response to complaints, but it is against GMP’s own guidance and should not have happened.
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"We have been assured by GMP that they will reinforce guidance with staff and ensure posters can be lawfully displayed across our city region. This is clearly a difficult time for our communities in Greater Manchester and we fully appreciate that this incident has been hurtful to our Jewish community. We will continue to ensure our communities are protected and kept safe."
GMP confirmed an investigation had been launched this morning, with the actions of the officer being against official guidance.
Chf Con Stephen Watson told BBC Radio Manchester: "I can assure you our professional standards department are looking at that as we speak. My early understanding is that there were a series of complaints about the posters, an officer has been deployed - in fact it was a PCSO - and the PCSO, under instruction, removed the posters.
"So there's nothing malicious in the intent of the officer, there's nothing that's done off the officer's own bat. But I think, reading between the lines, this is where we've responded badly to a complaint and I think we've got it wrong, and we have not operated in accordance with our instructions."
Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry said officers 'regret any offence caused'. He: "We know the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is causing great distress to members of Greater Manchester’s Jewish community and our thoughts remain with them at this time. The force has increased engagement with representatives, including the Community Security Trust, to ensure that they feel heard and understood by GMP and to ensure their safety within the city and our neighbourhoods.
"We share concerns raised regarding the removal of posters in the north Manchester area and can confirm that an investigation is underway. The action taken last night, in response to complaints, is contrary to guidance that the force had already issued to staff in relation to flyposting.
"We will continue to work with local authorities and the community to ensure posters can be displayed. We regret any offence caused."
