DNA could nail the GMP vandal behind the ‘absolutely shocking’ Swastika found on a cop’s locker – Manchester Evening News

Detectives have sent samples of DNA to uncover the 'hate crime' colleague responsible for a Swastika found on a fellow cop's locker, the M.E.N. can reveal.

A shocked police officer found the Nazi symbol on his locker when he began his shift at Pendleton police station in Salford on Sunday.

The discovery has prompted a significant investigation including detectives and the Professional Standards Branch of Greater Manchester Police.

Forensics specialists have taken samples from the locker to be sent for DNA analysis.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins told the M.E.N: "It's absolutely shocking. We are treating this extremely seriously and there's a thorough investigation on-going to find the perpetrator and bring them to justice."

Force bosses went public with the incident within hours of the discovery on Sunday.

The officer whose locker was vandalised has not been named and nor has his heritage or background been revealed.

The vandalism has been declared a hate crime and a critical incident by force bosses.

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Assistant Chief Constable Mabs Hussain said on Sunday: This is an absolutely disgraceful and disgusting act and I can wholeheartedly say that we are appalled that one of our employees felt that this behaviour was acceptable.

It will not be tolerated and an investigation is underway by detectives alongside colleagues from our Professional Standards Branch. A colleague has been subjected to a hate crime and there is no place for behaviour like this in GMP or policing nationally and its being treated incredibly seriously.

We serve one of the most culturally diverse areas in the United Kingdom and were incredibly proud to have a diverse workforce to serve and represent our communities. It is absolutely unacceptable that an officer has been faced with such an atrocity during their shift and were urging any officers or staff with any information to report it.

We are currently supporting the officer and I have spoken to the officer on a number of occasions today to update them on our investigation and offer them further support.

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DNA could nail the GMP vandal behind the 'absolutely shocking' Swastika found on a cop's locker - Manchester Evening News