Wiltshire Police said image was supposed to resemble Father Christmas’ legs. (Image: wiltshire999s)
A “distressing” image released by Wiltshire Police urging people to contact Samaritans has been heavily criticised.
The social media post was uploaded with good intent to promote mental health and domestic violence helplines, however, members of the public have said it looks like a suicide scene.
The police force issued an image showing a pair of legs dangling from a loft hatch alongside a message wishing people a Merry Christmas.
Despite the post stating it was a photo of “PC COOMB’s feet dangling down the loft hatch at one of our warrants”, social media users were quick to criticise the choice of image, claiming it resembled a suicide scene.
Speaking to Wiltshire 999s, one mother who lost her son by suicide over Christmas in 2023 said: “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.
“You would have thought it was obvious the photo would upset people especially people who have lost love ones in suicides. Hopefully they take it down or I will complain in the new year.”
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Wiltshire Police has apologised for the ‘distressing’ message (Image: Getty)
In the social media message, the force said: “From all of us at Trowbridge, Bradford-on-Avon and Melksham Neighbourhood Team, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and hope you have a safe one.
“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 main thing is to enjoy the time how you wish to spend it, either with family, friends, or alone watching Wallace and Gromit in peace.
“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.”
Facebook users then commented underneath the post sharing their disapproval. One user 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 life as they don’t see any future.”
Another said: “Looks like someone hanging themselves to me. Not a particularly well thought out post at all.”
While one commented: “Not the best image to be used in the same message that mentions struggling, and the Samaritans.”
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After deleting the social media post, a spokesperson for Wiltshire Police responded in a statement: “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.
“Once again, we would like to highlight 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.”