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Police today apologised after posting a ‘offensive’ tweet about St Patrick’s Day.

Officers from Lewisham posted a photograph of two sets of handcuffs laid out to be shaped like a shamrock against a green background next to the message: “Happy #StPatricksDay #Lewisham”.

But the tweet was later deleted and officers issued an apology after it received criticism and negative feedback.

MPS Lewisham posted: “Apologies for any offence caused by our earlier tweet, that was not our intention at all – hope everyone has a great #StPatricksDay”.

The original message was posted to the force’s 23,800 followers, with some responding to air their views about the tweet.

Patch Thompson (@PatchThompson92) said: “Hey Lewisham Police, maybe get some tact and don’t do this.”

Another Twitter user @captain_afab posted: “Wow. Lewisham Police threatening their Irish residents.”

David Allen Green (@DavidAllenGreen) simply said: “Good grief”, while Emmanuele Bassi (@ebassi) added: “Really?”