Edinburgh police face backlash after including Jeremy Clarkson photograph in officer recruitment 'advert' tweet

The force tweeted the picture of Clarkson and former One Direction singer Zayn Malik this morning along with the message: "Looking for a new job? Police Scotland are recruiting now."

LOOKING FOR A NEW JOB? Police Scotland are recruiting now. More info --> http://t.co/wUxXVnPXxv pic.twitter.com/7TbMXJoLBc

- EdinburghPolice (@EdinburghPolice) March 26, 2015

However, Twitter users have hit out at the decision to use Clarkson, who lost his job at the BBC after allegedly assaulting a producer, in the tweet.

The BBC announced that it would not renew Clarkson's contract yesterday after he allegedly assaulted a producer in an argument over food following a day's filming. The police have now requested to see the BBC's report.

@EdinburghPolice why would you use Clarkson in that tweet? He assulted someone.

- Edinburgh Spotlight (@edinspotlight) March 26, 2015

. @EdinburghPolice nice bit of class there with the racist bully who assaulted a junior colleague #slowhandclap #dontgiveupyourdayjob

- thebonnieloon (@thebonnieloon) March 26, 2015

@EdinburghPolice @theJeremyVine sending out all the wrong signals there. Ideal candidate for the fuzz ?

- John Devlin (@devlincross) March 26, 2015

are @EdinburghPolice looking to employ a violent bully? https://t.co/xQWed6l6xC #socialmediafail #tryingtohard

- Kenneth Douglas (@KennethDouglas) March 26, 2015

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Social media is an important tool for communicating with the public.

"It is never our intention to cause offence to our communities whenever humour is used during our online interaction and this post has now been removed.

"Should you wish to consider a career with Police Scotland please go to www.scotland.police.uk"