Eight officers suspended by GMP over racism accusation

Photo: Brian Jackson

One of the officers, it has been confirmed, is from Rochdale, though was working in Bury at the time of the allegations

Eight officers have been suspended by Greater Manchester Police following a report of alleged racial discrimination.

GMP announced on Monday (29 July)  it had also placed an officer on restricted duties, and referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

One of the officers, it has been confirmed, is from Rochdale, though was working in Bury at the time of the allegations. The others are also working in the Bury district.

The suspensions are not related to the incident at Manchester Airport which resulted in the suspension of a GMP officer after a viral video, showing a man being kicked in the head. 

A GMP spokesperson said: “We have temporarily relocated officers to Bury to cover operational duties and minimise disruption within the district.

“GMP made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in relation to both of these cases. The IOPC is investigating the first report and has reviewed and referred the second incident back to Greater Manchester Police to investigate.

Head of GMP’s Professional Standards Directorate Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Allen said: “The reports we have received are deeply concerning and I hope to reassure the community of Bury, the wider public, and the GMP workforce that a full and thorough investigation is being conducted into these matters.”