Police launch investigation into constable who wrongly told gospel singer 'not to sing outside of church grounds'
WATCH NOW: Ann Widdecombe slams the volunteer police officer
The police have launched an investigation into a special constable who told a Christian singer that they could not "sing outside of church grounds".
Officers are reviewing footage of the incident which involved gospel singer Harmonie London and volunteer officer Maya Hadzhipetkova.
Hadzhipetkova told the singer, who has almost 300,000 Instagram followers, that she could not perform, before sticking her tongue out at her.
She said: "No miss, you're not allowed to sing church songs outside of church grounds, by the way."
Police launch investigation into constable who wrongly told gospel singers 'not to sing outside of church grounds'InstagramThe exchange took place outside John Lewis on Oxford Street, where London defended her right to sing the songs.
She hit back: "You are, you are, you are."
However, the officer insisted that she cannot sing “outside of church grounds unless you have been authorised by the Church to do these kind of songs”.
London replies: "That’s a load of rubbish, you’re allowed." The officer then walks away, while another adds: “She’s not saying anything any more, thank you for your time.”
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The singer continues: "Are you saying that you don’t care about the Human Rights Act?"
London uploaded the footage on her Instagram page, titling it: "Unpaid volunteer officer doesn’t like gospel songs",
In the caption, she wrote: "Special constables are volunteer police officers who invest their free time to make a real difference to our city. You will get a tremendous amount of pride from giving back to the community."
There are no laws against singing on pavements.
The exchange took place outside John Lewis on Oxford Street
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London said the incident had breached her human right to freedom of religion.
The clip, which went viral on social media, drew widespread condemnation.
Appearing on GB News, Ann Widdecombe reacted to the footage. The former Minister for Employment said that singing church songs is "committing no offence at all" and the Police officer should be "struck off the force."
Former police officer and anti-crime campaigner Norman Brennan posted on social media: "Folks, this is not a good look. Some of us are trying hard to help policing get back public lost support respect and confidence and this does not help."
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