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Bedfordshire Police deletes tweets using 'Islamic state-style' logo

Bedfordshire Police initially tweeted its support for the campaign using the logo before later removing the posts.

Bedfordshire police has deleted tweets about Islamophobia Awareness Month after users pointed out its logo was similar to a hand gesture popular popular with Islamic militants.

The logo features a fist with the index finger pointing upwards, a gesture apparently favoured by followers of IS in propaganda photographs.

Islamophobia Awareness Month is run by organisation Muslim Engagement and Development (Mend).

The force initially tweeted its support for the campaign using the logo, before removing the posts today. A spokesman for MEND said it was 'surprised' Bedfordshire Police decided to stop using the logo.

It makes no sense that the IAM campaign logo be dropped by a police force because it purports to resemble a symbol of Daesh. We would not consider removing symbols such as the crucifix or St George's cross from use in national campaigns simply because they are frequently abused by far right and neo-Nazi movements.

We are disappointed that a campaign supported by thousands of British Muslims is being sullied in this way. We would strongly urge Bedfordshire Police to reconsider.

– MEND