Sky News reporter blasted for rummaging through MH17 crash victim's suitcase on live TV

Colin Brazier’s actions, which involve looking through a plane crash victim's suitcase, sparked outrage with some calling for disciplinary action.

15:30 21 July 2014

Sky News reporter Colin Brazier became a headline himself when he started rummaging through victims’ suitcases while reporting on the crash site of Flight MH17. His action during his own live reporting at the scene sparked outrage on Twitter and led to over 100 viewer complaints.

In a live broadcast, the reporter was shown picking items out of the open luggage before saying: “We shouldn’t be doing this, I suppose.”

Following the complaints, Sky News was forced to issue an apology over the issue.

BBC radio presenter Shelagh Fogarty took to Twitter and wrote: ‘Sky!! Get your reporter to STOP rummaging thru the belongings at #mH17 crash site. “We shouldn’t really be doing this” NO S**T Sherlock !! Those items are essentially sacred things now for the relatives. Just appalling.’

Meanwhile, media professor Joe Watson called it a ‘horrible moment for journalism’.

A post by Joey Blower added: ‘Colin Brazier has interfered with a crime scene in the most distasteful manner. It must be investigated fully.’

An Ofcom spokeman said that they are assessing the complaints and deciding whether there will be an investigation.

Sky News released a statement saying: ‘Today whilst presenting from the site of the MH17 air crash, Colin Brazier reflected on the human tragedy of the event and showed audiences the content of one of the victims’ bags. Colin immediately recognised that this was inappropriate and said so on air.'

However, the firm did not say whether it will impose disciplinary action.