Investigations underway into hostage poster removals by police in London and Manchester
Officers are reported to have removed them from a wall in Edgware in North London and parts of North Manchester
Investigations are underway after police officers in London and Manchester were seen taking down posters of people kidnapped by Hamas.
In a widely circulated video on social media, officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) can be seen removing the posters from a wall in north Manchester, an area with a large Jewish population.
On Monday, the Metropolitan Police said some of their officers took down posters in Edgeware, London, in a bid to ease community tension.
A large number of posters of people kidnapped from Israel by the terror group Hamas have gone on display since violence erupted in the Middle East earlier this month.
Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "We share concerns raised regarding the removal of posters in the north Manchester area and can confirm that an investigation is under way.
"The action taken last night, in response to complaints, is contrary to guidance that the force had already issued to staff in relation to flyposting.
"We will continue to work with local authorities and the community to ensure posters can be displayed. We regret any offence caused."
On Monday, the Metropolitan Police faced a backlash online after its officers were seen removing kidnap posters.
In a statement, the Met said the force recognised people wanted an explanation.
It said locals believed the posters were put on specific shop shutters in retaliation for comments about the Israel-Hamas conflict made on social media by a person associated with the business.
Residents told police they were concerned it would escalate an already tense situation.
The Met said: "Officers went to the shop and, acting in good faith, they removed the posters in an effort to prevent any such escalation.
"The removal of these posters elsewhere in London has caused anger and upset in recent weeks.
"We know a photo of our officers doing the same will cause further concern, particularly for anyone not aware of the full facts reported to us at the time.
"We have no wish to limit the rights of anyone to protest or to raise awareness of the plight of those kidnapped and the terrible impact on their families.
"But we do have a responsibility to take reasonable steps to stop issues escalating and to avoid any further increase in community tension.
"On this occasion, that is what officers were trying to do."