MANCHESTER police have removed some racist slogans from a training area, used to train recruits in riot control. The racist slogans were on the lines of "Wigan Whites" and "White Army" and they were said to offend Asian, black and even white officers.

The officers passed on their concerns to Paul Bailey, of the GMP Black and Asian Police Association, who reportedly complained to the police chief of A Division, which covers Clayton Brook, where the training establishment is located.

Greater Manchester Police issued a statement which said that the racist graffiti was meant to create "a realistic training environment" and to expose officers to "real life public order situation".

The statement concluded: "On reflection the writing was considered inappropriate."

I've never heard of anything so ridiculous. When the cadets get on the streets, they will face a hell of a lot worse than the words "Wigan Whites" and "White Army" painted on walls.

If they feel offended by a bit of racist graffiti, then they are in the wrong job.

Racist chants aren't pleasant but, unfortunately, they come with the territory. So the cadets had better toughen up and get used to them, or find another profession.

T. R. MILES (Mr)