The family of a student police officer from Bury who died suddenly after suffering alleged bullying while on a placement are fundraising for his funeral.

Anugrah Abraham, 21, was on a placement with West Yorkshire Police as part of a three-year apprenticeship degree at Leeds Trinity University.

Anugrah, known as Anu, was found dead in Radcliffe on March 4, a day after he was reported missing.

Anu’s family allege he was subject to bullying and abuse while on placement with the force and say the harm he experienced at the hands of the police led to his death.

Last month, police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation into claims the student was subject to bullying at work prior to his death.

His family are now raising money to help pay for “Anu’s funeral costs, our legal battle and for family campaigning going forward".

The fundraiser, launched on crowdfunding website, GoFundMe, has gathered more than £9,700 and aims to raise a total of £50,000.

In a message to supporters, his family said: “After experiencing severe stress and anxiety due to bullying and institutional racism during his time in the force, Anu tragically took his own life.

“Our family want to make clear that we feel that the harm Anu experienced at the hands of the police, killed him.

“We are no longer prepared to continue to allow our children to be at the mercy of an institution that does not value their lives.

“We will not grieve silently and allow those that caused Anu to take such a devastating action to walk away without being held accountable.”

Last week, Bury South MP Christian Wakeford called on the government to investigate the matter and urged them to provide more support to student police officers “to prevent further tragedy".

In a statement issued following Anu’s death, 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