It was probably not the best decision when Colin Terry, a senior policeman working for the British Foreign Office, choose to dress up as Osama bin Laden for a local carnival. Onlookers took offence on the mask and costume of the world's most wanted terror

Chief Superintendent Terry wore the controversial outfit at the annual carnival in the village of Grampound, Cornwall, where he lives with his family, reports the Daily Mail newspaper.

An onlooker to the parade said: “He was having the time of his life. He probably thought it was funny but it was totally insensitive.”

Officer Terry is now on secondment to the Foreign Office from Devon and Cornwall Police. The Constabulary tried to distance themselves from the incident saying the choice of costume was the man's personal decision, which they called 'misguided' and 'inappropriate'.

“Whilst we believe his actions were misguided rather than malicious, they were clearly inappropriate and we would condemn any such actions by any police officer as unacceptable,” a police spokesperson said.

The case is now considered by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Meanwhile residents of Grampound were surprised at the furore.

Diane Hannam, of the carnival committee, said: “We definitely saw the costume but I don't remember anyone commenting on the day.”

Chief Superintendent Terry comes from a police background and has being in the service for 24 years. He received seven commendations for various achievements including negotiating the release of a hostage.