A British policeman is running a website that sells potentially lethal weapons as well as mugs decorated with swastikas and gas chamber signs described as “ideal of kids bedrooms”.
The Liverpool Echo reports that PC David Woods of Merseyside Police is co-director of the Military Mart website which sells supplies from an army surplus warehouse in Ormskirk in North West England. Woods is a former anti-gun crime officer for the police force and is now under investigation after admitting his involvement in the website.
Items for sale include a gas chamber sign for £7.50 described as “Ideal for Kids Bedrooms, Door signs etc”, Nazi eagle and Nazi skull mugs for £3.99 and machine gun ammunition as well as a variety of air pistols and knives.
While it is legal in the UK to sell knives and air pistols to people over the age of 18, Merseyside Police are still investigating PC Woods over whether his business meets their ethical standards. The force said it will investigate whether “a serving police officer has registered a business interest that may not be appropriate”.
A spokesman told the Daily Mail: “The force, in accordance with national guidance from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), has a policy that requires officers to register business interests outside their police employment.
“All declared registered business interests are considered on a case-by-case basis by management and either approved or declined.
“Consideration is given to a range of factors, including the suitability of the business, performance in the workplace and compliance with the Working Time regulations.
“Once approved these interests are regularly reviewed by the force.
“This matter has now been referred to the force’s Professional Standards Department and this particular business interest is to be reviewed. As such it is not appropriate to comment any further.”
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