West Yorkshire Police is facing allegations that a 21-year-old student police officer was subjected to bullying and discrimination before his death.

Anugrah Abraham, known as Anu, who grew up in Bury, was on a placement with West Yorkshire Police as part of his three-year apprenticeship degree at Leeds Trinity University.

The aspiring police officer was reported missing to Greater Manchester Police on Friday, March 3. 

The following day, his family received the devastating news that their son had taken his own life. 

His family alleges that Anu faced bullying and abuse.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has referred the case for a local investigation run by West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Department.

But his family would like to see the case taken into the hands of the IOPC’s independent investigators.

Anu’s family said: “Our son went from being a happy young man, proud to be a serving police officer, to becoming increasingly unconfident and anxious.”

In a statement on behalf of the family, Kids of Colour and Northern Police Monitoring Project said: “Anu was honest, loving, smart and hard-working. He never raised his voice, and loved ones described him as a ‘gentle giant’.

“He was a deeply loving son, who would share emotions with his father, and dote over his mother, who if unwell, would make sure he brought her a beautiful breakfast in bed each morning.

“He shared a deep connection with his siblings, and was his sister’s best friend.

"He was kind, often the one there for his friends if they were in need or struggling. 

“He was a generous soul, beautiful inside and out.”

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: “West Yorkshire Police was saddened to learn of the death of our colleague PC Anugrah Abraham and our thoughts and sympathies go out to his family and friends.

“West Yorkshire Police takes allegations of bullying and discrimination within the workforce very seriously and is committed to investigating such reports.

“The force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct who deemed it appropriate that a local investigation is undertaken.

"This is currently being conducted by the Professional Standards Directorate.

“We are unable to issue any further comment pending the completion of the investigation.”

DCI Dave Jones, of GMP's Professional Standards Branch, said: "On behalf of Greater Manchester Police, I send the sincerest condolences to the loved ones of Anugrah following his death in March 2023.

"In line with normal procedure, the incident response was referred to GMP’s Professional Standards Branch and the Independent Office of Police Conduct for review. The conclusion was that GMP had not caused or contributed to Anugrah's death and that the force had responded appropriately to the missing person's report. 

"The force has not received a complaint in relation to this case.

"As inquest proceedings remain active, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."

An IOPC spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with Anugrah’s family and all those affected by his death.

"Following a referral from West Yorkshire Police of a complaint containing allegations of bullying, we directed the force to carry out an investigation.

"The complainant will have the right to have the force’s handling of the matter reviewed by the IOPC upon conclusion of the investigation, ensuring an appropriate level of independent oversight should it be required."