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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| West Midlands police 'left abusive voicemail' with 'domestic abuse victim' | West Midlands police 'left abusive voicemail' with 'domestic abuse victim' |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| Two police officers are facing a misconduct inquiry after an abusive voicemail message was left on the phone of a woman who made a complaint of domestic violence. | Two police officers are facing a misconduct inquiry after an abusive voicemail message was left on the phone of a woman who made a complaint of domestic violence. |
| West Midlands police have apologised to 19-year-old Alex Faragher and are investigating claims that she was called a "fucking slag" and a "bitch" by the two officers who allegedly recorded the message inadvertently. | |
| Faragher, from Sutton Coldfield, has lodged an official complaint about the incident, which happened last month during an inquiry into an alleged assault. | |
| Faragher, who works as a wedding caterer, handed police a recording of the expletive-strewn message in which an officer is said to claim that she is "giving us the runaround". | Faragher, who works as a wedding caterer, handed police a recording of the expletive-strewn message in which an officer is said to claim that she is "giving us the runaround". |
| Confirming that two officers have been placed on restricted duties, Rachel Jones, commander of Birmingham North police, said: "West Midlands police received an official complaint on 24 January in relation to an allegation of gross misconduct involving two police officers from Sutton Coldfield police station. | Confirming that two officers have been placed on restricted duties, Rachel Jones, commander of Birmingham North police, said: "West Midlands police received an official complaint on 24 January in relation to an allegation of gross misconduct involving two police officers from Sutton Coldfield police station. |
| "Due to the serious nature of the allegations the matter was referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission. Across the force we expect the highest standards of professionalism from all officers and police staff. | "Due to the serious nature of the allegations the matter was referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission. Across the force we expect the highest standards of professionalism from all officers and police staff. |
| "This complaint is being professionally and robustly investigated and the force will take necessary action against officers if appropriate." | "This complaint is being professionally and robustly investigated and the force will take necessary action against officers if appropriate." |
| The senior officer added that she had visited the woman to explain what action was being taken, and to apologise for any upset caused. | The senior officer added that she had visited the woman to explain what action was being taken, and to apologise for any upset caused. |
| The woman told the Birmingham Mail: "If I had spoken about them like that I would have been arrested by now and prosecuted. These two people were supposed to be coming out to help me and instead I received abuse." | The woman told the Birmingham Mail: "If I had spoken about them like that I would have been arrested by now and prosecuted. These two people were supposed to be coming out to help me and instead I received abuse." |