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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
National
Natasha Rigler

Calls to remove sick Dr Harold Shipman Covid face masks being sold

Face masks featuring the image of Dr Harold Shipman are being sold online for £10.

The move has been criticised by a victim support group who have called for the face coverings to be removed from sale, the Daily Star reports.

Born in Nottingham in 1946, Shipman grew up in the Sherwood area and moved away when he was 18.

He went on to live in Hyde, Tameside, and is Britain's worst serial killer, thought to be responsible for at least 215 deaths.

The face coverings show the mouth and white beard of the GP.

The masks are being sold online for £10.

The product even jokes that wearers can use them to 'show support' for the NHS.

A description reads: "Who can you trust for sound advice during a pandemic? Your friendly local GP, that’s who.

"Show your support for the NHS with this delightful doctor mask."

One twisted customer commented: “If you have to wear a mask, it might as well be fun.”

Diana Fawcett, the head of Victim Support – which has helped the families of Shipman’s victims – has called for the masks to be removed from sale.

She said: “It’s concerning to see that manufacturers are selling face masks of serial murderers who are known to have caused unimaginable pain and trauma to victims and their families.

“We know that while ‘murder’ is used as a form of entertainment, the reality is that it destroys lives and shatters communities.

“We work closely with families bereaved by murder and manslaughter through our national Homicide Service, and we know too well the devastating and long-term impact these crimes have on those left behind.”

Shipman was convicted of murdering 15 elderly women in January 2000.

It later emerged that the once-trusted family doctor had killed hundreds more.

A public inquiry, led by Dame Janet Smith, concluded Shipman murdered at least 215 people, with the majority being elderly women. It is feared the total could be higher

Shipman was jailed for life but was found dead in his cell at HM Prison Wakefield in January 2004.

An inquest concluded he had hanged himself aged 57.

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