Sussex Police have been accused of being racist against white males after one of their Sergeant's posted a job advert on Twitter aimed at people from minority backgrounds.

Sergeant Cheeseman, who works for Crawley and Mid Sussex Response, posted an advert on social media which has since been condemned by users.

His post urged those 'interested in joining the police' to attend a recruitment Question and Answer at Crawley Police Station - but the session was for 'those with protected characteristics (BME, LGBT, female, disability)'

Sergeant Cheeseman's tweet which sparked huge debate online (top) was officially endorsed by Sussex Police (bottom)

He wrote: 'Please retweet.

'Are you interested in joining the police?

'If so PS Palmer-Harris is holding a recruitment q&a session tomorrow at Crawley Police Station from 5.30pm. The session is for those with protected characteristics (BME, LGBT, female, disability) #recruitment #Crawley.'

However his tweet - which was endorsed by Sussex Police - has sparked angry backlash.

Kevin Hurley tweeted: 'The tweet specifically excludes white males. This appears to be racially biased. It is likely to cause concern amongst some, even be insulting. It appears to be very close to a criminal offence.

A response to Sgt Cheeseman's tweet which

'It certainly will damage public confidence in policing for some. It appalls me.'

Harry Maskers replied: 'How about holding an old fashioned session called " The best person for the role". What you have tweeted is wrong on so many levels.'

Ian Birshop added: 'You have taken positive discrimination to a new level , perhaps even illegal.'

Another added: '"Protected characteristics" are they the new buzz words for positive discrimination, aka racism against white males? Disgusting. Equality goes out of the window.'

Sgt Cheeseman said: 'All thank you for the interest.

'Please note that the idea is to offer those from under represented backgrounds the opportunity to come in and talk about potential applications and issues.

'Everyone still has to go through to the same process and obtain the required pass marks.'

MailOnline has contacted Sussex Police.