Wiltshire Police has faced fierce criticism after sharing a Christmas-themed social media post featuring dangling legs from a loft hatch alongside information about the Samaritans helpline.
The controversial Facebook image, intended to evoke Santa Claus coming down a chimney, was condemned by social media users who said it resembled a suicide scene.
The post, shared by the force's Trowbridge, Bradford-on-Avon and Melksham Neighbourhood Team, aimed to promote mental health and domestic violence helplines while wishing followers a "Merry Christmas".
The police post included a photo described as "PC Coomb's feet dangling down the loft hatch at one of our warrants".
The now deleted Facebook post
Trowbridge, Bradford-on-Avon and Melksham Neighbourhood Team
In their message, the force wrote: "We all dream of a perfect Christmas, in reality the turkey may be dry, the gravy lumpy or the last parcel didn't turn up."
The post continued: "If you are struggling, however, there is always help at hand, be it Samaritans, Help the Aged, National Domestic Violence Helpline. You aren't alone."
The message encouraged people to spend time "either with family, friends, or alone watching Wallace and Gromit in peace".
One mother, who lost her son to suicide during Christmas 2023, told Wiltshire999s: "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."
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Wiltshire Police HQPASocial media users quickly expressed their dismay at the post. One 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 lives."
Another Facebook user commented: "Looks like someone hanging themselves to me. Not a particularly well thought out post at all."
"Not the best image to be used in the same message that mentions struggling, and the Samaritans," added a third user.
A force spokesperson said: "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," they added.
The force concluded by emphasising "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."
Anyone who is in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide can call the Samaritans anonymously for free from a UK phone on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org.
