Scotland Yard criticised over tweet about lost child 'worded like a found dog'

Criticism: Many felt the tweet was inappropriate
Tom Marshall7 March 2016
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The Met Police has faced criticism over a “misjudged” tweet after a toddler was found without its parents in east London.

The official Twitter account for the Met’s Hackney division was accused of adopting an inappropriate tone in an appeal to find the child’s mum and dad.

The force announced just after 10am on Monday that the toddler had been found alone by tweeting: “Have you lost a two/three year old child? If you have, great news! We've found one!

“Get in touch via 101. Quote CAD1809/16 #ResponseB.”

Fortunately the parents of the child – who was described as Polish with blue eyes and green wellies – had been found by 10.45am.

But the appeal prompted a flurry of critical responses, with many surprised by the tone.

One tweeter, Alison M, wrote: "Ummm, slightly misjudged tone maybe?!"

Jon Warner ‎said: "Lmao, budget cuts so tight they've had to cut down on the tact."

Another user, @fkaTricks, added: "Delete this. Re-evaluate. Re-write."

Hackney police did not respond on Twitter and Scotland Yard declined to comment when contacted by the Standard.

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