Police tried to get inside church to make arrest
The police have issued an apology after interrupting a memorial service(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
West Yorkshire Police have issued an apology after they disrupted a church memorial while attempting an arrest.
The police said they were called to a church in Leeds on Thursday, November 13, after receiving information about a man wanted on recall to prison. They said the person the police were looking for was seen inside the building, and so the officers went inside to make an arrest.
This disrupted a memorial service for a member of the congregation at the church. Now, the police have issued an apology. Leeds District Commander Chief Superintendent Steve Dodds said: “West Yorkshire Police deeply regret the impact this has had on the family, the congregation and the wider community.
“Places of worship hold a special and significant role in our communities and any police intervention in such settings must be approached with the utmost care and sensitivity. On this occasion, we failed to meet that standard, and for the distress caused, I offer my sincere and unreserved apology.”
A senior officer visited the Bishop the next day to apologise personally. They also provided an apology in writing and have asked the Bishop to share it with the congregation.
The police added they were continuing to talk to the Bishop to arrange further engagement. They have also referred the matter to the Police Professional Standards Department and a review is underway.
An apology letter issued to the Bishop of a church in Leeds after a memorial service was interrupted by the police(Image: West Yorkshire Police)
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