Police have launched an investigation into claims that firefighters at Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service on more than occasion photographed women who had died in car accidents.
ITV News has uncovered evidence that the images were shared on an informal WhatsApp group, where male firefighters are alleged to have made degrading comments about the deceased victims.
The full report by UK editor, Paul Brand will air tonight (Tuesday 31 January) as part of the ITV Evening News and the ITV News at Ten.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service have also launched their own independent review, amid damning testimony shared with ITV News about the treatment of women within the organisation.
The allegations about Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service follow an investigation by ITV News last December into South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, where similar concerns were raised about sexual harassment and abuse of women. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has now commissioned an independent review of its culture and disciplinary processes, similar to one also completed last year at London Fire Brigade.
In response to the allegations, Chief Fire Officer for Dorset and Wiltshire, Ben Ansell, told ITV News: “The matters you have raised with us are deeply concerning and we take allegations of this nature extremely seriously.
“As allegations of criminal behaviour are involved, we have immediately alerted the police so the appropriate action can be taken. I am also commissioning an independent investigation.
“As part of this investigation, I will be providing all of our female staff with the opportunity to speak to an independent organisation.
“It is vital to have their help in identifying any inappropriate behaviour – in a modern fire and rescue service there is absolutely no place for it.
“In addition, we have set up a confidential helpline so if any of our staff have immediate issues as a result of these allegations, the right support is in place.
“There is an expectation for our staff to work in line with our code of ethics which sets out high levels of expected behaviours.
“The vast majority of our staff are good people, working hard and doing a great job. But when and if those standards are not met, we will move quickly to address it.”
For more on this story, please visit: www.itv.com/news
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