Greater Manchester Police Federation chairman slates Danczuk's 'pathetic attempt to generate some cheap publicity'

Ian Hanson, the chairman of Greater Manchester Police Federation

Ian Hanson, the chairman of Greater Manchester Police Federation (GMP), has slated Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk accusing him of "a pathetic attempt to generate some cheap publicity".

The stinging rebuke for Mr Danczuk follows his criticism of GMP for its work on historical sexual abuse allegations.

Mr Hanson said: “Yet again we see an MP launching an ill-informed attack upon police officers in an attempt to raise their own media profile.

“It is incredibly difficult to successfully prosecute offences that took place over 40 years ago and the investigation team have worked tirelessly in trying to piece together events that occurred in the 1960s and present enough evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service to take the case into a courtroom.

“The CPS have made the decision that they have not secured enough evidence to prosecute and that is massively disappointing for the victims. I know that this sentiment is shared by the investigators who have lived and breathed this investigation for many months.

“Mr Danczuk said yesterday that this has been a 'shabby investigation from beginning to end' and 'it is my view that mistakes have been made' and then went on to call on the IPCC to be 'proactive' in joining in his criticism.

“From his comments I would assume Mr Danczuk is in possession of very specific information that backs up his comments. If that is the case then he should refer that information to the IPCC himself immediately.

“Setting aside Mr Danczuk’s own recent antics, politicians – particularly those who decide to go on the offensive - have a responsibility to set the highest standards in public life. It appears to me that Mr Danczuk is just indulging in GMP bashing in a rather pathetic attempt to generate some cheap publicity and raise his own lowly profile.

“Mr Danczuk makes no mention of the outstanding work that has been done in his constituency to bring to justice those who have committed horrific crimes against vulnerable children, instead he simply attacks those who are doing everything humanly possible to bring those responsible to justice.

“Rochdale expects better of you Mr Danczuk.”

Mr Danczuk did not respond to an invitation to comment.