Ofcom received more than 200 complaints over broadcast of reporter Colin Brazier picking through luggage at crash site

This article is more than 6 years old

This article is more than 6 years old

Sky News is to be investigated by the media regulator for broadcasting images of one of its presenters handling a passenger’s belongings at the Malaysia Airlines MH17 crash site.

Ofcom received more than 200 complaints after Sky News presenter Colin Brazier was shown picking through an open suitcase in a live broadcast from the crash site in eastern Ukraine in July.

The broadcaster was heavily criticised online and subsequently issued an apology. Brazier also issued a lengthy explanation of the context to his “error of judgement”.

“Ofcom received over 200 complaints about this news report,” said an Ofcom spokesman. “Having assessed these, there are grounds to investigate under our rule on potentially offensive material. As in all investigations, we will take relevant circumstances into account, including any action taken by the broadcaster, in reaching a decision.

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