A SENIOR police officer has come under pressure for having a Nazi clock with a swastika on it at work.

The brass and mahogany clock belonging to Adam Briggs, North Yorkshire Police's Deputy Chief Constable, dates from the Second World War.

On its face is a 2cm emblem of an eagle on top of a swastika. It is in Mr Briggs' office at the force's base at Newby Wiske, near Northallerton.

Mr Briggs, 46, inherited the clock from his war veteran father after it was recovered from a German Uboat.

He said: "My father served throughout the Second World War with the Royal Navy and was awarded several campaign medals.

"He received this clock following the sinking of a German U-boat and subsequently bequeathed it to me.

"For the past ten years, the clock has been kept in my various offices within three different police forces.

"In that time, it has been seen by visitors of all races and faiths.

"I have always been happy to explain the history to anyone who asks about it, and there has never been a single complaint or adverse reaction.

"To suggest that this is in some way supportive of the evils of Nazism is ridiculous and offensive.

"The clock stands in my office as a daily reminder of my father and of the debt we owe his generation and of the evils of war.

"If it was felt by the force or North Yorkshire Police Authority that this was causing offence, I would remove it immediately."

The Nazi Party began to use the symbol of an eagle with a swastika in the Thirties to represent the power and strength of the party.

North Yorkshire Police said no complaints had been received about the clock.

But Dr Stephen Smith, director of The Holocaust Centre, said he believed it should be removed.

He said: "Many police officers see Nazi memorabilia at The Holocaust Centre, but that is in the context of learning where racism leads.

"Giving the swastika pride of place in a public building should be avoided, whatever the story behind it.

"I hope that North Yorkshire Police will redouble their efforts to help combat the prejudice in our communities."

A spokesman for the Harrogate Hebrew Congregation said he would not take offence and did not think any was meant, but said he considered the clock in bad taste.