Six police officers sacked after racism probe

Six serving police officers have been sacked following an internal investigation by Greater Manchester Police into alleged racial discrimination against a fellow officer.

GMP said two other former officers who were also investigated would have been fired if they were still on the force. Another officer received written warning.

A force disciplinary panel heard the female officer of African heritage (who was not named in the proceedings) complained after her accent was mimicked by a group of officers.

She was also compared to a suspect with similar skin colour, while one officer made a derogatory comment about her hair.

The panel found six officers and two former officers committed gross misconduct, while a ninth officer was found to have committed misconduct.

PCs Demi Green, Heena Rani, Lucy Granby, Matthew Barlow, Matthew Hill, and Mohammed Abid - who made the remark about his colleague's hair - were dismissed without notice.

Former PC Jake Holt and another unidentified former officer were also found to have committed gross misconduct.

Sgt Adrian Bick, whose actions amounted to misconduct, but who did not breach the force's standard of equality and diversity, received a written warning.

Deputy chief constable Terry Woods said: "No officer or member of staff should have to come to work and experience discriminatory behaviour from the people they serve alongside.

"I would like to acknowledge the courage of the officer who came forward and reported these concerns. It is important that people have the confidence to speak up, knowing they will be listened to and supported.

"Since this investigation began, our Bury district has worked closely with officers, staff and community representatives to listen to concerns, take action, and ensure we remain a police service that our diverse communities can identify with and be proud of."

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