Two younger police scholar recruits confronted merciless feedback from web trolls claiming they give the impression of being “12”, forcing a senior police officer to step ahead to defend the pair.

Superintendent Helen Brear from West Yorkshire Police proudly shared a picture on social media welcoming new scholar officers to Kirklees District as part of a latest uplift programme.

She mentioned: “Welcome Alfie and Noah to Kirklees District. New student officers as part of our Police Uplift programme, #Policing family.”

However, the put up sparked a wave of merciless jokes about Alfie and Noah’s youthful look.

While all scholar officers have to be over 18 to use, the keyboard bullies wasted no time in launching a barrage of hurtful remarks upon seeing the baby-faced aspiring policemen standing alongside Supt Brear and one other feminine officer.

One insensitive social media consumer went so far as commenting: “1,000 percent bullied at school.”

Meanwhile one other tactlessly questioned: “Has the pension got so bad that they have to start at 12?”

The teasing and mocking feedback continued, with one social media consumer questioning: “Has puberty struck yet?”

Another wrote: “What happens when the six-week school holidays are over?” 

Someone else added: “Should I be letting the NSPCC know about this?”

Despite the pointless negativity, Supt Brear took a stand in opposition to the cyberbullying and defended the 2 scholar officers. 

She mentioned: “I have been incredibly disappointed by some of the responses. Both of my colleagues passed the recruitment process and displayed they had the skills/abilities. 

“Both will make great cops and I as their leader will ensure they reach their potential.”

Other cops at the moment serving additionally supplied their help to the duo.

Caroline Goode wrote: “They will get plenty of stick on the streets for looking young, much as I did.

“Some people may feel they can take liberties and quickly find out they were mistaken. They will do just fine. Wish them luck from an oldie, tell them enjoy their youthful looks while they can.”

Ch Supt Chris Casey, of the British Transport Police, added to the help, writing: “I recall starting as a very you[ng] looking 18-year-old special @‌AstonWMP – a steep learning curve, but looking young didn’t hold me back.”