A dad says his dream of becoming a police officer is in tatters after his application to become a special constable was rejected – because of his tattoos.

Father-of-one Matthew Burns, who already volunteers for the St John Ambulance and Kent Search and Rescue, applied to Kent Police in the hope of becoming a special three months ago.

But the 29-year-old saw his application thrown out because his tattooed arms could be offensive to the public and staff.

Mr Burns, who works at Ruskin Air Management on the Joseph Wilson Industrial Estate in Whitstable, said: “I work with the police all the time; when we come across a car accident, we work with them.

“But they are saying my tattoos may be offensive to other staff members or in stations.

“It doesn’t make any sense at all. If you make a 999 call and this bloke turns up with tattoos, would they find it offensive?

“I am really shocked.”

Mr Burns’ tattoos depict two images of a skeleton praying and an alien.

He appealed the decision, saying he could use a cover sleeve to hide the ink, but his appeal was not upheld.

The force said the tattoos would still be visible to other staff members when the sleeve is not worn.

He had hoped to become a special constable, with full police powers, uniform and equipment.

Mr Burns, of Matthews Road, Greenhill, added: “I was hoping to work my way up to police officer.

“At this time, you have to work your way into it, volunteer, and if you like it, you can try and work your way up.

“It’s not as if I am begging for a job – it’s voluntary.

“I am shocked because I thought the police were supposed to be non-judgemental" - Matthew Burns

“It’s not something you expect to come out from a voluntary role.

“I was waiting a long time and get that; it knocks you back.”

Mr Burns has volunteered for the St John Ambulance service for 10 years and has spent two months at Kent Search and Rescue. He added: “I can’t see how it can be offensive – it isn’t sexist, it hasn’t got any writing on it and isn’t discriminatory in any way.

“I am shocked because I thought the police were supposed to be non-judgemental.

“ I am pretty sure that’s part of the job, not to judge others.”

Police have defended their decision.

Spokesman Andy Saunders said: "The policy at Kent Police, which is made clear to applicants in the eligibility criteria and application pack, is that some tattoos could potentially offend members of the public or colleagues, or could bring discredit to the police service.

"A tattoo is deemed to be offensive if it could be considered rude, lewd, crude, discriminatory, violent or intimidating.

"There is an expectation that officers and staff maintain a standard of appearance and dress considered professional, smart and approachable. In this case the applicant appealed.

"The appeal was unsuccessful but we remain in contact with the applicant in respect of his case."