A Leeds pastor has accused West Yorkshire Police of racism after officers stormed the funeral of a Black elder, allegedly pushing a woman to the ground and shoving him while he stood in his clerical collar.
A formal complaint has now been filed and the force has launched an internal review, with senior officers issuing an apology for the “distress” caused.
Bishop Anthony Parry, who heads up the New Testament Church of God in Leeds, said more than 300 mourners - including children - were inside the sanctuary when officers burst in.
Officers later claimed they were looking for a man they believed was wanted on recall to prison.
In a video statement, Bishop Parry said the service was “a sacred moment” that police treated with “no regard, no respect,” leaving the congregation shaken and terrified.
The religious leader said he also witnessed officers chasing people around the church car park and pushing a woman to the ground, before he was then shoved by an officer after asking for calm.
“This could’ve easily been done at the end of the service,” he said.
“Instead, they disrupted everything. When I challenged them, I was pushed away myself. This behaviour cannot be tolerated.”
He also raised a pointed question about racial bias, noting that the congregation was predominantly Black.
“Would the police have operated in such a way if the congregation was mainly white? Would they have done this in a mosque or synagogue? In those places, they’d be outside guarding and protecting.
“But for our community,” Bishop Parry added, “they feel it’s okay to go in and disrupt a sacred service like that. I cannot be silent.”
In a separate written statement, the church said “children were exposed” to the incident, adding that the force used against mourners had caused “serious and legitimate concerns” within the congregation.
“Our community deserves transparency and clear assurances this will never happen again,” the statement continued.
West Yorkshire Police issued an apology and confirmed the matter has been referred to its Professional Standards Department.
Leeds District Commander Chief Superintendent Steve Dodds said: “West Yorkshire Police deeply regret the impact this has had on the family, the congregation and the wider community.
“Places of worship hold a special and significant role in our communities and any police intervention in such settings must be approached with the utmost care and sensitivity.
“On this occasion, we failed to meet that standard, and for the distress caused, I offer my sincere and unreserved apology.”
According to the police, a senior officer visited the church after the incident to “personally convey this apology” and subsequently provided a written apology, encouraging the Bishop to share it with the congregation.
Black Current News has approached West Yorkshire Police for comment.
More updates to follow as this story develops
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