A ‘distressing’ photo shared by Wiltshire Police in a Christmas post has caused outcry.
A well-meaning Facebook post promoting mental health and domestic violence helplines has gone down the wrong way with some members of the public.
The image shared alongside words wishing people a Merry Christmas depicts legs hanging from a loft hatch – promoting some to think it was a suicide.
Despite the post stating it a photo of “PC COOMB’s feet dangling down the loft hatch at one of our warrants”, some were left astounded by the choice of image.
Speaking to Wiltshire 999s anonymously, a mother – who lost her son by suicide just days before Christmas in 2023 – said: “It’s horrific and so distasteful. I can’t believe nobody thought more into the photo. How could they think it was acceptable?
“I mean surely police officers go to awful suicides including hangings on a regular basis.
“You would have thought it was obvious the photo would upset people especially people who have lost love ones in suicides. Hopefully they take it down or I will complain in the new year.”
On Facebook, the post has attracted similar views.
One person wrote: “Actually I found this a little distressing as thought it was a reminder that it’s that time of year where loneliness is more apparent and people take their own life as they don’t see any future.”
Another said: “Looks like someone hanging themselves to me. Not a particularly well thought out post at all.”
While one commented: “Not the best image to be used in the same message that mentions struggling, and the Samaritans.”
“I’m afraid this photo is somewhat ill judged, please remove. Intentions good but not at all appropriate”, one person exclaimed.
Another encouraged Wiltshire Police to remove the image. They said: “Please remove this photo. In the context of the message it is completely inappropriate.”
In a statement, a spokesperson for Wiltshire Police responded: “In a recent post on the Bradford on Avon Facebook page, officers posted a well-intentioned message highlighting the important work of vital support services available for those in crisis.
“We apologise for any distress the accompanying photo may have caused – it was an unfortunate distraction from the key message.
“Once again, we would like to highlight the invaluable work of the important organisations who are available to those who are struggling at Christmas – including the Samaritans, Help the Aged and the National Domestic Violence Helpline.”
The force has since deleted the post from their social media.
