THE chairman of Hampshire’s Police Federation has spoken out against the culture in the organisation nationally.

John Apter said it was a “sad indictment” of the organisation that its chairman Steve Williams stood down over claims he had been bullied.

Mr Apter condemned what he called the “toxic environment created at Leatherhead” – the headquarters of the organisation – during last night’s Channel 4 Dispatches programme.

He said: “What a sad indictment on an organisation that is supposed to be there to protect people from bullying and such action. I think it’s a sad indictment of those responsible.

“I don’t know the circumstances but those responsible should take a very long hard look in the mirror and consider their positions.”

The Federation came under fire after the Plebgate row and a damning independent review that revealed millions of pounds were held in unaccounted reserves.