Police officers claimed they received a kind message of support after what they described as an ‘unpleasant’ evening.

Police officers were on patrol in Copeland and noticed the message “we like you police” written in chalk on the pavement.

The police implied the message was written by a well-wishing member of the public.

A spokesperson from Cumbria Constabulary stated publicly: “Having dealt with a particularly unpleasant incident this evening, an officer came across this on the street outside, a very welcome surprise!”

An image showed a message written in coloured chalk on the road.

The public was a mix of supportive and aloof to the message being shared by the police.

Helen Rae said: “Things like this could make someone's day 1000 times better.

“Well done those kiddies.”

Janet Poskitt wrote: “Well done lads and lasses, it’s not often you get credit for doing your job.”

Lisa Crozier said: “We like you too.”

Emma Coward added: “Without you beautiful people it would be like Mad Max.”

However, some weren’t so quick to show support, and shared their thoughts.

Joe Hoyle joked: “After this photo, the copper chased down two unruly five years olds for criminal damage, a good result for the force, another job well done under exceptional circumstances.”

Jamie Glover echoed: “10 minutes later and you nicked them for criminal damage.”

Adam Stoddart wrote: “Think that was meant for Sting.”

Others were also not as enamoured by the message, with some even doubting its authenticity.

Stee Fleming said: “(The) coppers did that themselves, no one likes them, who are they trying to kid?”

Damien Banwell said: “As coppers, I'd expect you to be writing in cursive by now.”

Philip Yates jibed: “Which one of your officers wrote that?”

Nathan Pettit wrote: “Didn’t know the police could spell correctly.”

John Phinn summarised the jokes and jibes eloquently: “Good old Cumbrian sarcasm.”