Hero London Bridge attack officer sacked over 'offensive' messages

Detective Constable Mark Luker, known for being one of the first officers on the scene during the tragic 2017 London Bridge terror attack, has been sacked due to his participation in sending offensive messages in a WhatsApp group. The misconduct panel highlighted that Luker used derogatory language, specifically the term "pikey," when discussing the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities.

During the misconduct hearings, it was revealed that Luker made jokes linking theft with the Irish Traveller community. In one message, he referenced “scrap metal, lead roofing and cable,” which he acknowledged was a joke associating these materials with the Traveller community's stereotypes. Furthermore, he referred to “dags,” a term from the film Snatch, in a context that was deemed derogatory.

The panel concluded that Luker likely understood the offensive nature of his language. They stated that his comments were deliberate and intended to link the communities to criminal behavior. Although he claimed that humor was his coping mechanism for the stress surrounding his role during the attack, the panel noted that he should have been aware of the impact of such language.

While Mr. Luker has not been found to be "inherently racist," the panel asserted that he, as an experienced officer, was expected to be sensitive toward the communities he serves. His dismissal highlights a commitment within law enforcement to uphold standards of conduct and respect for all members of society.