THE Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police has apologised for sending a letter to all his staff warning them they could be sacked for racist behaviour.

It said that workers could face the sack for any racist, sexist or any other discriminatory behaviour.

But some of the people who received the letter thought the warning was specific to them.

Chief Constable Michael Todd said: "I think that this is one of those occasions where the organisation has got it wrong, the message should have been communicated in another way."

He said the "unusual step" of sending out the letter was based on advice, following a disciplinary hearing in which some members of staff claimed they did not know the force policy on inappropriate behaviour.

Mr Todd said: "Having now seen the actual letter that was sent out and spoken to our Staff Associations, I do understand that it has caused some people to think that it was specific to them and that they must therefore be under investigation.

"This is not the case. I also do not think that it should have been sent to home addresses."

He added: "To any member of GMP or their family who has been offended or concerned about this letter, I would like to say that I am really sorry."