Police have taken to social media to hit back at criticism of armed officers posing for pictures with members of the public at a Christmas market in the UK.

This criticism came shortly after photos were uploaded showing policemen taking pictures with the general public while on patrol.

The photo caused outrage on social media with many arguing that the policemen in the photo should not have been taking pictures at the Christmas market.

Others tweeted using the #smileforthebbc and posted photos of officers looking happy on duty. This was to show support to police officers who have uploaded photos of themselves while at work.

That was in response to the BBC reporting angry comments about Northumbria Police showing images of officers armed with rifles and in armour on duty at Newcastle city centre.

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