West Yorkshire Police has been forced to apologise after trying to arrest a wanted man during a memorial service.
Officers were called a church in Leeds on November 13 after a suspect wanted on recall to prison was allegedly seen inside the building.
They attempted to arrest him, which led to the disruption of a memorial service being held for a “longstanding member of the congregation”, the force said.
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 at the church the day after the incident to provide a written letter of apology.
The letter, signed by Superintendent Matthew Scott, included an apology for the “distress and disruption” which may have been caused to the Bishop and congregation.
The force wrote to the Bishop of the church apologising over the incident
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WEST YORKSHIRE POLICE
“Please allow me to reassure you that such actions are not reflective of normal policing practice,” it read.
“While there are rare circumstances where entering a place of worship may be necessary to carry out an arrest, this should only occur under strict supervisory oversight and with the utmost respect for the setting.”
“Community cohesion and trust between the police and the communities we serve are of paramount importance,” the letter added.
“I want to reaffirm that your local neighbourhood policing team remains dedicated, professional, and committed to working in partnership with the community.”
West Yorkshire Police said it was sorry for any ‘distress’ caused
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GETTYSupt Scott added that the Bishop should share the letter with members of the congregation and the community “if you feel it would provide reassurance”.
West Yorkshire Police confirmed the incident had been referred to its Professional Standards Department.
It said a “full and thorough” review is underway to “identify lessons learned”.