Two Metropolitan Police officers have been dismissed for gross misconduct after sending offensive messages about Katie Price's disabled son, Harvey, in a WhatsApp group. The messages, shared between 2016 and 2018 in a group called 'Secret Squirrel Shit', included sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic and ableist comments.
PC Glynn Rees and PC Dave Selway were sacked following a six-day disciplinary hearing. Six former colleagues—Sgt Luke Thomas, acting Sgt Luke Allen and constables Kelsey Buchan, Lee South, Darren Jenner and Carlo Francisco—were also found guilty and barred from policing for life. The messages mocked Harvey Price, who has Prader-Willi syndrome and autism, and insulted a junior female officer.
Legal chair Christopher McKay stated the messages caused 'significant harm' to the Met's reputation and upset Katie and Harvey Price. The panel noted that Sgt Thomas was one of the most active participants, making jokes about naming his dog 'Auschwitz' and mocking Harvey's weight.
Met commander Jon Savell apologised, saying he was 'repulsed and ashamed' by the messages. He added: 'This is another painful day for us. We know there are more uncomfortable days to come.' Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the behaviour, stating there is no place in the police for such attitudes.
Katie Price told Channel 5 News the officers should be 'embarrassed' and 'ashamed', and called for them to be named and shamed. The case follows a damning report by Louise Casey that found the Met guilty of institutional racism, misogyny and homophobia.
