Glasgow East by-election: SNP say sorry over police on leaflet

THE SNP apologised to police after a picture of two officers was put on a leaflet distributed as part of the party's Glasgow East by-election campaign, it was reported last night.

The leaflets, posted through doors in the city, featured Kenny MacAskill, the justice secretary, with the officers, one of whose face was visible.

The leaflets, which also pictured Glasgow East SNP candidate, John Mason, had the slogan: "SNP On Your Side – Fighting Back Against the Gangs".

Central Scotland Deputy Chief Constable Iain MacLeod, whose officers feature on the pamphlet, reportedly said the image had been used without the knowledge of the force.

An SNP spokeswoman said the party had issued an apology to the officers involved through the Scottish Police Federation and that the leaflets had now been withdrawn.

She added: "The police are an apolitical organisation who are doing a fantastic job in Glasgow East and across the country."