Newtownabbey police clarify Ballyclare fox Facebook post

Police have moved to clarify a post uploaded to the Antrim and Newtownabbey PSNI Facebook page yesterday (Sunday) after officers were criticised for alleged covid breaches.
Police uploaded the image from the fundraising event to social media.Police uploaded the image from the fundraising event to social media.
Police uploaded the image from the fundraising event to social media.

A photograph of a police officer and a fundraiser dressed as Fantastic Mr Fox was shared on the social media platform.

The picture, taken at an event at the Spar, Templepatrick Road, Ballyclare, was captioned: "This cunning redhead was doing their bit for charity and asking for your spare change for Cancer Research UK. If you’re passing give them a wave, and, if you’re feeling charitable, stop and drop a few coins in.

"One of many worthwhile causes, I’m sure you’ll agree."

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The post came in for flak from members of the public with a number questioning the distance between the people in the photo.

Following the criticism, the post was updated. A PSNI spokesperson said: "The fundraiser inside the fox costume had their face covered throughout the encounter, which lasted only seconds. We recognise that the photo suggests that the officer and fundraiser are touching, however, we can reassure you that there was no physical contact."

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