A borough MP has called on the government to support trainee police officers after the death of a Bury student.
Labour MP for Bury South Christian Wakeford has asked Home Secretary Suella Braverman to meet with him and the family of Anugrah Abraham, who took his own life earlier this month.
Anugrah, known as Anu, grew up in Bury and was on a placement with West Yorkshire Police as part of a three-year apprenticeship degree at Leeds Trinity University.
Anu’s family alleges that he faced bullying and abuse from officers on the force and are asking for his case to be reviewed by the Independent Office for Police Complaints (IOPC).
Speaking in Parliament on Monday, Mr Wakeford asked the Home Secretary how the government could help “to prevent further tragedy".
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He said: “Anu Abraham was a 21-year-old student police officer on a placement in West Yorkshire who took his own life following bullying allegations and a lack of support.
“I met Anu’s family on Friday and they wanted to make clear that the harm and lack of support that Anu experienced at the hands of the police killed him.
“The family now want Anu’s death and the miscommunication that followed to be reviewed by the IOPC.
“Will the Home Secretary and the policing minister meet with myself and Anu’s family to hear there concerns and discuss what can be done to prevent any further tragedy.”
In response, the Home Secretary expressed her “deepest condolences and sympathies” to Anu’s family and agreed to arrange a meeting between the Mr Wakeford and an official or minister "should that be the right thing to do".
In a statement published by Kids of Colour, a project “exploring "race", identity and culture”, Anu’s family say he “went from being a happy young man, proud to be a serving police officer, to becoming increasingly unconfident and anxious.”
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He was reported missing to Greater Manchester Police on Friday, March 3 before he was found the following day.
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.”
Samaritans is available round the clock, every single day of the year, providing a safe place to talk for anyone who is struggling to cope.
Call 116 123 (this number is free to call and will not appear on your phone bill), 01204 521200 or email jo@samaritans.org
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