Greater Manchester Police delete 'intimidating' tweet ordering people to carry proof they are exempt from wearing masks as they boast about fines handed out to shoppers

A tweet from Greater Manchester Police ordering members of the public to carry proof that they are exempt from wearing a face covering has been deleted after sparking an online backlash. 

GMP Stretford today posted a message on its official Twitter page informing the public they had issued five tickets inside the Trafford Centre to those those who had failed to wear a mask before warning others to carry proof of their exemption.  

In their message the police wrote: 'Five tickets issued to people inside the Trafford Centre yesterday failing to wear a mask. Most people complied with the new law and supported our presence.

'We will be there again today so please wear your mask and if exempt carry proof. Thanks.' 

A tweet from Greater Manchester Police in Stretford asking those who are exempt from wearing a mask to bring proof has been deleted. (Stock image)

Earlier today GMP Stretford posted a message on its official Twitter page informing the public they had issued five tickets inside the Trafford Centre

The Twitter account later deleted the post after social media users pointed out that the law did not require people carry proof of their exemption.

One user wrote: 'There is no law requiring proof, and no law saying what is accepted as proof. Nor should there be. That tweet intimidates the disabled and vulnerable and if they operated this policy it would possibly be illegal.'

While another commented: ''@GMP Stretford telling people they need proof of exemption when the regulations say nobody does need to provide this. Zero regard for anyone with trauma related exemption. Absolutely appalling.'

Another person added: 'Exemptions tend to be medical in nature and such information is protected under the GDPR. This is, I think, information that they have no right to ask for and asking for it could be, therefore, a breach of the GDPR.'

Meanwhile one Twitter user said: 'You don't need proof. How can you carry out the law when you don't understand it.'

According to government guidelines, those who are exempt from wearing a face covering should not be routinely asked to give any written evidence, this includes exemption cards.

Those who are not required to wear a mask do not need to seek advice or request a letter from a medical professional about their reason for not wearing a face covering.

While some people may feel more comfortable showing proof that says they do not have to wear a face covering, this is a personal choice and not a written law.

Social media users took to Twitter to point out that the law did not require people to carry proof of their exemption

MailOnline has contacted Greater Manchester Police for comment.  

It comes as Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, who is refusing to accept new Tier Three rules on the city unless ministers bring forward a more generous package of financial support, today held talks with Boris Johnson's chief strategic adviser, Sir Edward Lister.

Statistics published by Manchester City Council for the period between October 4-10 showed there were 2,484 people with a newly confirmed diagnosis of Covid-19, giving an infection rate of 449.3 per 100,000 people.

However, in the previous seven day period there were 3,224 people with a newly confirmed diagnosis, giving an infection rate of 583.2 per 100,000.

The numbers suggest that cases have also been falling in the wider Greater Manchester region.