Tourist photo causes headache for Rio police

Photos placed on the internet have caused controversy in Brazil, after they appeared to show two policemen in Rio de Janeiro posing with tourists, according to reports.

Two officers involved are now under investigation after the pictures showed three women pretending to be handcuffed and one holding a police rifle.

The images have caused much debate in Brazil, where the conduct of the police force is now under even closer scrutiny.

Ubiratan Angelo, Rio state police commander, told the BBC: "There is no problem with taking pictures with tourists but not that kind of photo.

"The uniform is sacred, as is the policeman's gun - that's not something you play with."

The photos are believed to have been taken in November at the popular resort of Parati and show three women ? believed to be Dutch ? posing with the police.

According to the BBC, a Peruvian tourist accompanying the three women posted the pictures online and they have since been removed.