TWO fire service officers have been suspended for allegedly sending "inappropriate" e-mails.

Salford-based community safety officer Jan Finch and watch manager Mark Sapple, who works at the brigade training centre in Manchester city centre, were sent home on full pay last week.

It is alleged the e-mail included a graphic image of a woman with body piercing with a humorous caption.

The allegation is that Mrs Finch sent the e-mail to Mr Sapple who then forwarded it to a group of people. Among those who allegedly received the e-mail from Mr Sapple was a woman member of the brigade's staff responsible for co-ordinating training courses.

As she looked at it, a senior officer who was standing by her also saw it and decided to make a formal complaint to management.

A brigade source said the e-mail was regarded as "adult humour".

In a statement Greater Manchester Fire Service said: "Two members of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have been suspended while an investigation into alleged inappropriate e-mails is carried out.

"As the investigation has not been concluded it would be wrong to make any further comment."

One brigade source said: "The action the brigade has taken in suspending them seems a bit over the top. Everyone else would call it a joke but not Greater Manchester Fire Service."

Both officers declined to comment.

Last month three police workers were suspended over computer porn allegations.

Greater Manchester Police launched an investigation after claims that a member of staff had obscene images on his computer at work. The computers of the other workers were then seized and checked.

As a result, two other members were also suspended. The three are members of the forces Corporate Communications Branch. The section involves about 30 staff working for the press office, public relations department, and internal communications.