A UK police force has been slammed after officers were filmed doing the Macarena during a Pride celebration.
A video posted by Lincolnshire Police on Twitter showed four uniformed officers performing the dance, with several locals then joining in.
But after posting the video online, the force were slammed for spending time at the festival instead of tackling crime.
One person on social media said: “What a joke Lincoln Police, please do the job you signed up for, show respect for the uniform you're wearing.”
Officers were seen performing the Macarena
Twitter/LincolnPoliceUK
The video was taken at a Pride celebration
Nigel French
While a second added: “Fellow Lincoln residents. Next time you're being burgled and want to police to actually attend, tell the operator there's a Pride event at your house.”
A third person also hit out at the force, saying: “I’m a woman and your actions make me feel less safe.
“I want a police force that takes MVAWG (male violence against women and girls) seriously, one committed to improving rape convictions, one that takes violence seriously.”
But Lincolnshire Police Chief Constable Chris Haward has hit back at the criticism.
He said in a statement today: 'Lincolnshire Police officers are at Pride to make sure that everyone attending experiences a safe and happy event.
“Lincoln Pride is a celebration of inclusivity and representation within the LGBTQ+ community and, as Lincolnshire Police, we are there to support them and build confidence in our service.
“I expect my officers and staff to engage with people attending Pride; to chat, laugh, join in, and even dance, where it is appropriate to do so and does not detract from their duties.
“Policing is not just about enforcement and patrol but about engagement, understanding and being part of the community.
“We want everyone attending Lincoln Pride to know that we are there for them and that our service to Lincolnshire communities is truly inclusive, we aim to treat every member of the public we serve with fairness and impartiality.
“Pride is one of the many wonderful community events in the county that we are there to police but also to allow people to look behind the uniform and see who we are.”
