Dorset Police probe claims Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service firefighters shared photos of crash victim on WhatsApp

POLICE are investigating allegations that Dorset firefighters photographed the bodies of women killed in car crashes and shared them on a WhatsApp group.

ITV News said it has uncovered evidence that male firefighters made degrading comments about the images, with one whistleblower claiming the men even remarked on the victims' underwear.

Speaking anonymously to ITV News, the female firefighter said: "Retrieving the body of someone dead should tear you apart, not make you want to take photos of it, just to joke about it later.

"Because that's someone's loved one, isn't it? That's someone's relative."

Several women working within the service also made allegations of "persistent sexual harassment" within their stations, with one telling ITV News of a male firefighter "demanding sexual favours at the scene of a fire".

The women were reported to have shared dozens of explicit photos and messages sent by male colleagues, including demands for sex.

Despite several of the firefighters being reported for their behaviour, ITV News understands that all of the men are still working for the service.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said the allegations have been reported to the police and it had launched its own independent investigation.

Its statement said: "We are extremely shocked and appalled to hear about these allegations. We would ask that ITN or any individuals affected, provide us with further information to allow us to investigate these allegations and to enable us to offer our support to them.

"We are unable to comment on individual cases, but what we can say is that we continue to work to ensure that our organisation is a safe place, where staff feel able to report concerns of inappropriate conduct or behaviour."

Dorset Police, which is leading the investigation into the fire service, said it had not yet been provided with "specific" details.

"ITV has been approached to disclose any information it has regarding these allegations, which could potentially be used as evidence, but it has yet to do so," said a force spokesperson.

"The limited details available in the news report are of a very concerning nature but will have understandably caused concern amongst the public and especially families of victims.

"We share that concern and will robustly investigate any information or evidence that is shared with us."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting Operation Pine. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously via Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.

The allegations come after South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said in December it was commissioning a review of its culture and disciplinary processes following concerns over sexual harassment and abuse of women.

In November, a report found London Fire Brigade to be "institutionally misogynist and racist".