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Shocking allegations of sectarian bullying at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are being probed by police.

The investigation has been launched after a firefighter received anonymous texts – apparently from a colleague – calling him a “fat fenian b*****d”, and warning, “Watch your back in case you end up with a knife in it”.

Stevie Craig, 38, had previously made a complaint against his watch manager Barry Sneddon over claims he said he wanted to “get rid of the last fenian on the watch”.

It is understood that in June, senior managers were made aware of online comments from another firefighter that also accused Sneddon of sectarianism.

(Image: UGC)

But a source close to Craig has claimed the fire service failed to take the allegations of bigoted bullying and harassment seriously.

The dad of two called in police after he began receiving sinister messages on his mobile earlier this month.

One set of texts read: “I wish you were on my watch, I would never let you away with being a grassing b*****d.

“Everyone knows you made everything up and people lied for you...I hate snakes and liars. Fat, baldy lying b*****d.

“Just keep it in mind when you go back to work, watch your back you won’t see me coming.

“Grassing b*****d, people like you shouldn’t work in the brigade. I hate f**ks like you and you deserve

everything that’s coming your way.

(Image: UGC)

“I’d love to bump into you alone in a locker room. I’d take so much pleasure in throwing you all over it.

“Grass b*****d. You’re lucky no one got sacked for what you done. Fat fenian b*****d.

“Remember I know where you stay and work so watch your back in case you end up with a knife in it.”

Other messages received by the firefighter, who has been forced to spend long periods off work with stress, said: “Is it true you’re f*****g not right in the head as well?

“Hopefully this is true and you go hang yourself from the nearest tree, do us all a favour, make the world a better place without grassing f**ks.”

Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident, and anti-sectarian charity Nil By Mouth have offered the fire service training on how to tackle and prevent bigotry.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said senior managers are now investigating and insisted “bullying, harassment or inappropriate behaviour” was not tolerated.

A source close to Craig said: “He loves being a firefighter. All he wants to do is get back to work serving the public, as he did for more than 10 years.

“He feels that after making the complaint about the sectarian comments, he has been made out to be the bad guy by someone with no connection to him. It has left him really down.

“The threatening text messages have been the last straw. He’s been off work with stress and this has made things even worse.

“He can’t be sure who is sending them, but they clearly seem to be linked to his complaint against Barry Sneddon.

“It’s serious stuff. This person is saying they know where his family live. There have been threats of physical violence, calling him a grass and all the sectarian stuff as well.

(Image: Collect Unknown)

“It appears to be coming from someone in the service. It’s sickening they are abusing him in this way.

“There seems to be a complete failure to deal with this sectarian abuse in the fire service. Maybe there’s too much of a macho culture where it’s expected to be taken on the chin as a bit of a joke.”

Management at the fire service previously investigated nine complaints against Sneddon made by Craig.

As well as the “fenian” claims from December 2016, the firefighter reported a string of alleged incidents dating back to last August. They included claims the watch manager used the word “Pakis” and showed pornographic material on his phone.

Craig also claimed Sneddon once removed his rank markings and threateningly asked Craig to talk with him “man to man”.

There was allegations Sneddon called him “disabled” over his attendance record and spread rumours about a female colleague engaging in a sex act with three male colleagues.

Both men previously worked at Paisley Fire Station, where the abuse is alleged to have taken place.

Sneddon is now based at Castlemilk in Glasgow while Craig moved to Clarkston, near the city.

Nil By Mouth called the situation “very concerning” and offered to provide training.

Director Dave Scott said: “These are very concerning incidents which do not reflect well on the culture within the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

“Too often, we see sectarianism dismissed as ‘banter’ at work and management can often appear reluctant to take these attitudes on.

“The problem with that approach is that it simply emboldens those who indulge in them.

(Image: Paisley Daily Express)

“If you feel you can get away with it then why stop?

“We run a programme which aims to address sectarian attitudes in workplaces which is supported by the Scottish Government.

“We would be more than willing to work with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and their board to ensure these matters are properly investigated and any remedial action taken as soon as possible.”

A spokesman for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “The Service have recently been made aware of these allegations and a full and thorough investigation is now underway, led by senior management. Until the conclusion of these investigations, it would be inappropriate to comment further.

“However, as an organisation we do not tolerate bullying, harassment or inappropriate behaviour. Any claim of such, will be investigated fully and any required action taken.”

They added: “Barry Sneddon is aware of the allegations and doesn’t want to comment.”

A police spokeswoman said: “A complaint has been received and inquiries are ongoing.”