TWO Greater Manchester Police officers have been removed from front-line duties after allegations that they sent racist text messages to each others.

The pair have not been suspended but an internal misconduct inquiry has been launched.

The messages were allegedly sent on the officers' personal mobile phones.

A police spokesman was unable to confirm any details of the pair, or when the messages were alleged to have been sent.

He said: "Greater Manchester Police are currently conducting an internal inquiry to investigate the potential use of inappropriate racist language in communications between two police officers.

"This matter, which was reported by a member of GMP staff, was voluntarily referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission who declined involvement in the investigation. A rigorous internal misconduct inquiry is under way and the officers have been removed from front-line duties."

It is thought the officers were based at the force headquarters at Chester House in Old Trafford.