A WEST Yorkshire Police officer from Bradford has been charged under the Terrorism Act with two counts of publishing an image in support of Hamas, the police watchdog said.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it had directed an investigation, carried out by Counter Terrorism Policing North East (CTPNE), into messages allegedly shared on WhatsApp.

An IOPC statement said: “On conclusion of the investigation, we determined the case should be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service.

“On Monday, PC Mohammed Adil, 26, was charged with two counts of publishing an image in support of a proscribed organisation, specifically Hamas, contrary to section 13 of the Terrorism Act. The offences are alleged to have taken place in October and November 2023.

“PC Adil, based in Calderdale, is currently suspended by WYP. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.”

CTPNE said in a separate statement that Adil was arrested in November 2023.