West Yorkshire Police apologise and pledge 'thorough review' after officers disrupt church service
The force say they 'deeply regret' what happened at the church in Harehills last week
A senior officer has apologised to a bishop after a memorial service was disrupted by police attempting to arrest a man, saying the force deeply regretted that the "sanctity was interrupted".
West Yorkshire Police said officers went to a church in Leeds on Thursday after receiving information about a man wanted on recall to prison.
The force said they attempted to arrest him and "this resulted in the disruption of a memorial service for a longstanding member of the congregation".
It's understood the incident involved the New Testament Church of God in Harehills.
Leeds District Commander Chief Superintendent Steve Dodds said: "West Yorkshire Police deeply regret the impact this has had on the family, the congregation and the wider community.
"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."
Mr Dodds said another senior officer, Superintendent Matthew Scott, met the bishop at the church to apologise in person, and he has also put that apology in writing.
He said he hoped the apology would be shared with the congregation.
Mr Dodds said: "We are continuing to speak with the bishop to arrange further engagement with the congregation and to strengthen our approach to policing in partnership with the community.
"This matter has been referred to our professional standards department.
"A full and thorough review is under way to identify lessons learned and any necessary actions to prevent a reoccurrence."
In his letter to the bishop, Mr Scott said: "Places of worship hold special significance, and I deeply regret that this sanctity was interrupted.
"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."