Six police officers to be investigated for ‘grossly offensive’ WhatsApp messages

Six serving police officers and a former officer are to be investigated over ‘discriminatory’ and ‘derogatory’ Whatsapp messages, a watchdog has said.

The officers are being investigated for offences under the Communications Act after reportedly sending ‘grossly offensive messages’, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said.

IOPC Regional Director Catherine Bates said: ‘The allegations against these officers and a former officer are extremely serious and concerning.

‘On conclusion of our investigation we will decide whether the matters should be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service, whose role it is to determine whether criminal charges will follow.’

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