A stressed police response officer who has seen five dead bodies in the past four weeks has spoken out about the grim reality of the job - after an application for two days off "for a break from it all" was rejected.
The officer, who is based in the North West of England, said it was "no wonder police officers are leaving the job, breaking down mentally and physically".
Taking to Twitter to "rant" to his 12,300 followers, @northwestcop said: "I've seen 5 dead bodies in four weeks. "Talked a 19 year old down who had already cut her neck.
Attended a male on male rape. First on scene to a bad stabbing, and dozens of mental health calls. I've just asked for two days off for a break from it all and my annual leave was rejected. "No wonder police officers are leaving the job, breaking down mentally and physically.
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