Apology after police try to arrest man at memorial
A memorial service was in progress at the New Testament Church of God when police tried to arrest a man
- Published
West Yorkshire Police has apologised for trying to arrest a man wanted on recall to prison during a memorial service at a church in Leeds.
The incident disrupted a memorial service for a longstanding member of the congregation at the New Testament Church of God, according to a force spokesperson.
Ch Supt Steve Dodds said the organisation "deeply regrets the impact this has had on the family, the congregation and the wider community".
A senior officer visited the bishop at the church to apologise in person and a "thorough review" of the incident will take place, a spokesperson added.
Ch Supt Dodds said: "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."
Supt Matthew Scott also wrote to the bishop to apologise.
He said: "Please allow me to reassure you that such actions are not reflective of normal policing practice.
"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."
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